Wine: Vega Sicilia Único 1933
Winery: Bodega Vega Sicilia (Valbuena de Duero, Valladolid)
Appellation / Zone: D.O. Ribera del Duero
Varietals: Tinto Fino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot
ABV: 13.5% vol. (est.)
Winery: Bodega Vega Sicilia (Valbuena de Duero, Valladolid)
Appellation / Zone: D.O. Ribera del Duero
Varietals: Tinto Fino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot
ABV: 13.5% vol. (est.)
Winemaking:
Grapes sourced exclusively from estate vineyards. After the alcoholic fermentation process, the wine was racked into large wooden vats (18,000 to 20,000 liters), where it underwent malolactic fermentation and remained for a minimum of 5 years. Subsequently, it spent at least 10 years in various types of 225-liter oak barrels. The remaining time was spent in the bottle until its eventual release.
Grapes sourced exclusively from estate vineyards. After the alcoholic fermentation process, the wine was racked into large wooden vats (18,000 to 20,000 liters), where it underwent malolactic fermentation and remained for a minimum of 5 years. Subsequently, it spent at least 10 years in various types of 225-liter oak barrels. The remaining time was spent in the bottle until its eventual release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Presented in a bottle that is narrower and shorter than usual,
reminiscent of the irregular glassware used by the winery in the 1920s
(volume slightly under 75 cl). The cork is marked with the date "Cosecha
1955," likely the year of re-corking. Brownish-ruby color with
medium-low depth; clear but with a significant amount of sediment that
has blackened the glass surface in contact with the wine. Coppery and
amber reflections with low gloss. Broad rim, showing no difference from
the meniscus.
Nose:
Upon opening, it appears reduced and quite intense. Fungal aromas
predominate (dried morels, earthy notes, truffle), giving way to an
inexhaustible array of luxurious woods. Misty, more reminiscent of a
cabinetmaker's workshop or an antique warehouse. Smoky, with
back-and-forth animal notes, old leather, and a curious musky, sweet
point. A Vega Sicilia well into its years.
Palate:
Extremely polished. Integral, light, and very smooth; still with life
and cellaring potential, though penalized by a certain lack of "grip"
undermined by the decades. Mature, placid, and pleasant to drink. In
terms of constitution, it resembles the 1939 Único more than the 1936.
No evidence of blending with younger vintages during the re-corking is
perceived.
Commentary:
It is difficult to draw definitive conclusions after so many years, but the wine's integrity is remarkable. It offers a rare window into the history of Ribera del Duero before the D.O. was even established.
It is difficult to draw definitive conclusions after so many years, but the wine's integrity is remarkable. It offers a rare window into the history of Ribera del Duero before the D.O. was even established.
Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Average: 94
Tasting Group Average: 94
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