Wine: Vega Sicilia Único 1946Winery: Bodega Vega Sicilia (Valbuena de Duero, Valladolid)
Appellation / Zone: D.O. Ribera del Duero
Varietals: Tinto Fino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Albillo
ABV: N/A
Appellation / Zone: D.O. Ribera del Duero
Varietals: Tinto Fino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Albillo
ABV: N/A
Winemaking:
The grapes are sourced exclusively from estate vineyards. Following manual harvesting and a second table selection at the winery, the wine was racked into large, seasoned wooden vats (18,000–20,000 liters) to complete malolactic fermentation, where it rested for a minimum of five years. Subsequently, it spent at least 10 years in various types of 225-liter oak barrels. The remainder of its aging took place in the bottle until its eventual release. Limited production of 8,265 bottles.
The grapes are sourced exclusively from estate vineyards. Following manual harvesting and a second table selection at the winery, the wine was racked into large, seasoned wooden vats (18,000–20,000 liters) to complete malolactic fermentation, where it rested for a minimum of five years. Subsequently, it spent at least 10 years in various types of 225-liter oak barrels. The remainder of its aging took place in the bottle until its eventual release. Limited production of 8,265 bottles.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance:
Sourced from excellent cellaring conditions with a high fill level. The
cork was in superb condition, marked with the year 1981, indicating it
was likely recorked
then—a common practice for Vega Sicilia’s historic vintages. Garnet-red
with medium-high depth; well-extracted and opaque with a matte,
lackluster finish. Very fine sediment at the base, with the glass itself
appearing completely frosted and opaque from decades of settling.
Narrow, tawny (atejado) rim, sharply defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
Fragrant, perfumed, and as elegant as one could possibly expect from a
Vega Sicilia that borders on, or achieves, absolute perfection. This is
"The Nose"—possessing a depth and telluric complexity that is simply
overwhelming. Floral notes (hibiscus, violets) meld with hints of
pastry, cream, star anise, Jamaican pepper, Russian leather, and birch.
This is all veined by a mineral core of crushed slate, earthy
undertones, and graphite. It is so fine and delicate that it defies
simple explanation.
Palate:
Ethereal, cloud-like, and caressing, featuring those unique tannins
that can only emerge from the heart of Valbuena de Duero: cushioned,
fatty, mature, yet vibrant and firm. It possesses immense strength and
life, with an abundance of fruit, freshness, lightness, intensity, and
energy.
Commentary:
A wine like this shatters the myth that Vega Sicilia cannot age gracefully past "retirement age." It earns the highest possible rating. A monumental achievement: a perfect 10!
A wine like this shatters the myth that Vega Sicilia cannot age gracefully past "retirement age." It earns the highest possible rating. A monumental achievement: a perfect 10!
Personal Score: 100
Tasting Group Average: 100
Tasting Group Average: 100
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