1970 Vega Sicilia Unico Spain Red

1970 Vega Sicilia Unico

98+ JG

Featured Review

(Vega Sicilia “Único”) The 1970 vintage of Único was one of the longest-held vintages in the cellar at the estate in modern times, as this wine was first released in the late 1990s and was long considered by former Cellar Master, Mariano García, as one of his greatest vintages ever of Único. There was no albillo included in the cépages of the 1970, as the final blend was seventy percent tempranillo, fifteen percent cabernet sauvignon, ten percent merlot and five percent malbec. It spent its first five years in twenty-two thousand liter large vats, but these were of French oak origin, followed by another five year stretch in used barrels prior to bottling. It was then given another sixteen years of aging in bottle before it was finally released! The wine is brilliant and still relatively youthful in its aromatic constellation of black plums, cassis, a touch of youthful tariness, a very complex base of soil tones, cigar smoke, incipient notes of the wide array of spices to come with further bottle age and a lovely framing of new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and absolutely rock solid at the core, with great focus and grip, seamless balance and a long, ripely tannic and amazingly, still fairly youthful finish. It is not that this wine is not eminently drinkable today, but when one realizes the almost timeless potential longevity of the very top vintages of Único, it becomes apparent that even though the 1970 is nearly fifty years of age, it remains still a fairly youthful wine and will be even better than it is today with further bottle aging! It is more elegant in personality than the 1968 (at least today) and is just a hair more evolved; it belongs in the same rarefied class as the 1968 and is one of the greatest vintages of this wine ever produced in the long history of the estate. Just an amazing vintage of Único (Drink between 2020-2080). John Gilman

Cellar Tracker | 98+ JG

For many years, the 1970 Unico was the greatest Spanish wine that I had ever tasted, and although this was not the same caliber as the previous perfect example, it remains a fabulous wine. It is a blend of 70% Tinto Fino, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot and Malbec and aged for ten years in barriques. It has a thrilling Bordeaux-like personality on the nose that is more aloof than other vintages. The Cabernet component in the blend is pronounced, forming the backbone and austerity of this wine. However, you cannot deny its power and its breeding, or indeed its obdurate, masculine finish that demands respect. This is a Unico you have to look up to, perhaps the sister of Chateau Latour in this same year. 94,500 bottles produced. Drink now-2030+.

Robert Parker Neal Martin | 97 RP-NM

Layered and complex, this Unico is incredibly youthful given its age. Gorgeous, filled with savoury herbs and sweet oak flavours and a persistent finish. Drinking Window 2014 - 2030.

Decanter | 96 DEC

The 1970 is the most subtle of these Unicos, although I have tasted fresher examples. Delicate and perfumed throughout, the 1970 is laced with the essence of crushed flowers, tobacco, dried cherries and mint.

Antonio Galloni | 94 AG

A silky, seamless package of pleasure. Surprisingly dark color, then mature aromas of spice and cherry, with an elegant, soft palate impression that holds coffee, raisin and cherry flavors. It's balanced and long, with a slightly volatile character.

Wine Spectator | 92 WS

Type of Wine	Spain Red : Spanish wines shouldn't be overlooked under any circumstances, as there are plenty of extraordinary wines coming from this country. There are also lots of grape varietals grown all over Spain. Some of the most gorgeous red varieties are the early-harvested Tempranillo, raspberry-flavored Garnacha, Bobal, Monastrell, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot.
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	Spain : Grapevines have been cultivated on the Iberian Peninsula for thousands of years, making Spain one of the oldest wine producing countries on earth. With nearly 1 million hectares under vine, Spain is in possession of more grapevines that any other nation in the world. Today, vineyard cultivation takes place in virtually every administrative district, making it a leading producer on today’s market. Spain’s vineyards generate an annual wine output of 40.7 million hectoliters, ranking it third in the world behind only France and Italy. Spain is a land of breathtaking beauty, diverse topography, complex cultures and a time honored tradition of viticulture. The country’s broad geographical values play a major role in defining the many wine styles produced. From the cool climes of Galicia and the snow-capped Pyrenees to arid Andalucía in the south, and every region in between the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, Spain boasts one of the most diverse terroirs in the world. The country’s myriad of soils and complex climate systems creates an expansive planting ground for a multitude of varietals. Tempranillo has long played an instrumental role in Spanish winemaking. It is important to note that of the 236,000 hectares being cultivated world-wide, 202,000 are planted in Spain. It is commonly utilized in the production of still red wines from Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro and has taken the world by storm. In the past few decades, wines produced in Rioja have been some of the most popular, and in 2017, wines with a “Rioja” label were the most purchased on the wine market. Bodegas Vega Sicilia, located in Ribera del Duero in northern Spain has been one of the most sought after producers hailing from Spain, and Tinta de Toro (otherwise known as Tempranillo everywhere else) has certainly placed its mark on the region and the world. Spain is also renowned for its production of sweet, raisened Moscatel, fortified Madeira, sparkling Cava and its rising, but shining star, Albarino, which hails from the Rias Baixas appellation of Galicia. Some of the most recognizable names in the world of wine hail from Spain. In the past few decades there has been a collision of New and Old World winemaking; one which has greatly contributed to the continued success of the Spanish wine industry. Modernization of vineyards, facilities and viticulture has greatly improved the significance of Spain in the wine market. Syrah and Merlot have taken root in Spanish wine regions and combined with the indigenous Garnacha (Grenache) Garnacha Blanca (Grenache Blanc), Godello and many others, the country has not only adapted to new styles of winemaking but also the ever changing palate of consumers.
Region	Duero : A rough environment can contribute a lot to one's character, as we're all aware. Fortunately, this also applies to wines, and there's no better example than the glorious DO of Ribera del Duero. Based almost entirely on rocky terrain, this commune is responsible for some of Spain's greatest viticultural accomplishments. Outside of Albillo-infused whites that see local popularity, this area is entirely dedicated to the production of luxurious and powerful reds. The favored varietal is Tempranillo (known over there as Tinto Fino), and the winemakers mix in a healthy dose of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec from time to time. More so than most other regions in the world, this area is known for wines that can last an astoundingly long time. This makes their reds a favorite amongst collectors and a great way for inexperienced wine enthusiasts to develop a sense of patience when it comes to wine aging. When allowed to develop sufficiently, you can expect a marvelous unraveling of smokey, intense flavors of spice and dark fruit, with leather and tobacco adding an earthy quality to them that adds a lot of raw force to the attack.
Subregion	Ribera del Duero