2010 Vega Sicilia Unico is a great vintage of probably the best known Spanish wine, world famous and of undoubted excellent quality. The Alvarez family purchased the winery Bodegas Vega Sicilia in 1982 and marked the development and character of the wines. Organic viticulture (not biodynamic) leaves the wine natural. Tempranillo is the dominating grape, 94% of the total, with a 6% of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines are 35 years old. The wines age for 10 years, partly in barrels (French and American) and 22.000 litre casks, after the bottling (in this case in 2016) ageing continues for at least four more years. Some critics had advised that the wine be best in 2022 – so my tasting was timely.
Dark ruby color, almost total opacity. Complex, intense and open nose – plenty of aromas, dark red fruit (especially dark cherry, dark plum – but not dried), blackberry, paired with some spices like cardamom, cinnamon, a note of leather, very slight hint of vanilla. Full and round in the mouth, the 2010 Vega Sicilia Unico is dry, of medium acidity, with silky but pronounced tannins. Very long finish. A truly great wine.
