Unico, Vega Sicilia 2008

2008 was a challenging vintage in Ribera del Duero, a vintage marked by a severe frost on September 24th. The vineyards of Vega Sicilia were saved by some anti-frost burners that really made the difference. Even though, there are only some 70,000 bottles of 2008 Único, a wine that will be released around March 2016 after the 2007, and before they sell 2005 and 2006. It's a fresher, more mineral version of Vega, and very much Vega in character. It has a certain aroma that I cannot define that I also found in the 2011 Valbuena. The palate is surprisingly polished; the wine is quite accessible from now on, with fine tannins and a subtle thread of acidity going through the core. This is a lighter version of Único, but one style I like very much; it's a wine that should drink well throughout its life. A triumph for the vintage conditions.

Firm and medium-to full-bodied with notes of charred bark, blackberries, tobacco, toast and dried flowers. Compact and brooding. Chewy tannins. Yet there’s a fine elegance. Tasted from magnum. Try after 2023.

Balsamic cherry aromas. A distinct red fruit palate with crunchy acidity, offering pomegranate and cherries. As it develops in the mouth, the tannin develops giving a firm structure. Very long and concentrated finish, carrying the weight of alcohol lightly. The Atlantic character of the year will ensure persistent freshness. A cool vintage: cold, rainy spring, wide diurnal temperature range in midsummer, risk of frost in late September, harvest began very late on 10 October. One and a half years in new oak barrels, one year in used barrels, followed by about two and a half years in large-format tanks. Bottled June 2014. 59,214 bottles, 3,323 magnums, 210 double magnums and 24 Imperials. Tasted from magnum.