Wine: Vega Sicilia Único 1941
Winery: Bodega Vega Sicilia (Valbuena de Duero, Valladolid)
Appellation / Zone: D.O. Ribera del Duero
Varietals: 75% Tinto Fino, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, Malbec, and Albillo
ABV: N/A
Winery: Bodega Vega Sicilia (Valbuena de Duero, Valladolid)
Appellation / Zone: D.O. Ribera del Duero
Varietals: 75% Tinto Fino, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, Malbec, and Albillo
ABV: N/A
Winemaking:
Grapes sourced exclusively from estate vineyards. Following manual harvest and a secondary table selection, the wine was racked into large, seasoned wooden vats (18,000–20,000 liters) to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize for at least five years. Subsequently, it underwent a minimum of 10 years of aging in various types of 225-liter oak barrels. The remainder of its development took place in the bottle until its eventual release. Limited production of 14,840 bottles.
Grapes sourced exclusively from estate vineyards. Following manual harvest and a secondary table selection, the wine was racked into large, seasoned wooden vats (18,000–20,000 liters) to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize for at least five years. Subsequently, it underwent a minimum of 10 years of aging in various types of 225-liter oak barrels. The remainder of its development took place in the bottle until its eventual release. Limited production of 14,840 bottles.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-red with medium-low depth; open, limpid, and translucent with
very scarce, fine sediment at the base. It displays amber and tawny reflections with muted brilliance. The rim is broad, nearly merging
with the meniscus. Highly viscous with abundant tearing. The bottle
shows extraordinary cellaring conditions with no ullage; the cork was
diminutive (typical of its era) and in perfect condition, suggesting it
was never recorked.
Nose:
Generously aromatic and open; extraordinarily mature and toasted. It
shows its character from the start, revealing hints of fruit concentrate
(arrope)
and charcoal alongside toffee paste, caramelized sugar, and savory
"Marmite" undertones. As it breathes, it compresses, shedding its
initial brusqueness to gain subtler elegance. Notes of fine wood, cedar,
and vegetal cigar tobacco emerge, followed by an off-dry hint of
macerated plums. It possesses immense personality, breaking away from
the typical stylistic uniformity of Valbuena.
Palate:
Not a light or tired wine by any means. In fact, it bears such a
structural resemblance to the '58 and '59 vintages that they could be
confused if not for its lower chromatic intensity. Spongy and
full-bodied with melted tannins, it is bolstered by a spark of acidity
that lifts the fully integrated ensemble. Velvety, alive, and difficult
to define.
Commentary:
A Vega Sicilia that defies comparison. It is perhaps the most mature and "compoted" of the entire historic series (33-36-39-41-46-49). While one might speculate whether this is due to the vintage itself or exceptional bottle aging, the wine retains a singular charm. Although historic Vega Sicilias may not always match the extreme longevity of Murrieta or Riscal, this 1941 is an exquisite exception. Its only drawback is its price.
A Vega Sicilia that defies comparison. It is perhaps the most mature and "compoted" of the entire historic series (33-36-39-41-46-49). While one might speculate whether this is due to the vintage itself or exceptional bottle aging, the wine retains a singular charm. Although historic Vega Sicilias may not always match the extreme longevity of Murrieta or Riscal, this 1941 is an exquisite exception. Its only drawback is its price.
Personal Score: 95
Tasting Group Average: 97
Tasting Group Average: 97
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