Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2005 was a powerful year, and the wine was kept for longer in bottle and released two years later, after 2007 and 2008, which were more challenging years that produced more delicate wines. On those bases, by the time the 2005 Único was released, it was highly anticipated. The wine is indeed big, powerful, concentrated and quite tannic, but it's also very good. However, it does not reach the finesse of the 2004. Curiously enough, the warmer years seem to have lower alcohol, and this, like 2009 and 2011, wears a 14% on the label.
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Wine & Spirits
The N-122 runs like a spine across Ribera del Duero from east to west, separating the Vega Sicilia winery from the Unico vineyards across the road. Those vineyards face north, on undulating slopes rich in chalk, and give wines that can live for decades. That’s the case for this 2005. The concentration of this vintage was so great that Vega Sicilia held the bottles back an extra couple of years; now, that patience has been rewarded with a beautiful, enchanting complexity of aromas and flavors that encompass earth, spice, roses, black fruits and minerals. It still feels tense and energetic, a lively, radiant Unico that will continue to develop for at least a decade in bottle—even though now, sitting in front of a half-empty glass, it is difficult to imagine how it can be better. It can.
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Wine Spectator
This polished red offers flavors of tobacco, cedar and leather, with a core of cherry and tea. Firm tannins support the thick, smooth texture, while lively acidity keeps this balanced. Harmonious and long. Drink now through 2028.
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James Suckling
Lots of ripe fruit and layers. Very polished. Pretty density and freshness. Rich and flavorful yet a little loosely knit. Incense, hints of vanilla and flowers.
Notoriously food-friendly, long-lasting and Spain’s most widely planted grape, Tempranillo is the star variety of red wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The Rioja terms Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva indicate both barrel and bottle time before release. Traditionally blended in Rioja with Garnacha, plus a bit of Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano, the Tempranillo in Ribera del Duero typically stands alone. Somm Secret—Tempranillo claims many different names depending on location. In Penedès, it is called Ull de Llebre and in Valdepeñas, goes by Cencibel. Known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal, Tempranillo plays an important role in Port wine.
Ribera del Duero, Spanish wine region, is located in northen Spain’s Castilla y León region, just a 2-hour drive from Madrid. While winemaking in this area goes back more than 2000 years, it was in the 1980s that 9 wineries applied for and were granted Denominación de Origen (D.O.) status. Today, more than 300 wineries call Ribera del Duero home, including some of Spain’s most iconic names.
Notable Facts Ribera’s main grape variety, Tempranillo, locally know as Tinto Fino, is perfectly suited to the extreme climate of the region, where it must survive scorching summers and frigid winters. Low yields resulting from conscientious tending to old vines planted in Ribera’s diverse soils types, give Ribera wines a distinctive depth and complexity not found in other Tempranillos. Rich and full-bodied, the spice, dark fruit and smoky flavors in a bold Ribera del Duero will pair well with roasted and grilled meats, Mexican food and tomato-based sauces.