Unico, Vega Sicilia 1996

1996 was a great vintage in Ribera del Duero, following 1994 and 1995, which were not shabby either. The 1996 Único from magnum shows a classical year, still with 13.5% alcohol, with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that gives it the characteristic balsamic undertone. The wine has great freshness and balance, and it has a lively and agile palate. Thinking back to younger vintages, it feels like there was a change after 1996. It drinks very well today and works wonders with food, but it also has a good future ahead of it, especially in magnum. This was one of my favorite modern vintages, along with 2014 and 2004. 2,235 magnums produced. Artwork by Benjamín Palencia.

The 1996 Unico is from what the Vega Sicilia team calls "an icon vintage". Medium purple in color, it emits a lovely perfume of smoke, mineral, Asian spices, balsamic, and assorted black fruits. Elegant, savory, and intense on the palate, it has enough underlying structure to evolve for another decade and drink well through 2036.

An explosive, expressive wine, alive with chocolate, strawberry, menthol and balsamic aromas. The palate reveals an equally bold structure and rich red fruit compote. The tannins are lightly drying and ultimately the finish tails off. It seems much older than the 1998. However, a very enjoyable journey and a wine to enjoy now. Cold, wet spring, hot summer with some rain. Spent 20 months in large-capacity wooden vats, 24 months In new casks, 24 months in semi-new, then 19 months in large-capacity wooden casks. 99, 480 bottles, 2,235 magnums and 150 double magnums. Tasted from magnum.