2022 Release Unico Reserva Especial (2022 Release) Vega Sicilia

Parker - Luis Gutierrez 98, 2023-2040,

The NV Único Reserva Especial 2022 Release is a blend of wines from 2008, 2010 and 2011, mostly Tinto Fino with some Cabernet Sauvignon mixing lots from the Único wines from those years. In the past, the blend was older vintages, but now it's wines that are around the same age as the Único. It has the complexity of mixing terroirs, vintages and grapes with parameters very similar to Único, 14.5% alcohol and good balance with a pH of 3.83 and 5.4 grams of acidity (measured in tartaric acid per liter). In the blend, they look for keeping the style of past blends, combining the more aged notes of the older wines and the freshness of the younger ones. I was very pleasantly surprised by the performance of this Reserva Especial, which seems to be going back to the character of the blends from yesteryear, with more finesse, elegance and nuance. This is perfumed, elegant, harmonious and balanced. It has very fine, already polished tannins and integrated acidity. 2008 and 2010 are cooler years, and they seem to give the blend this freshness and elegance. It has all the components, and especially the balance between all of them, to age nicely in bottle. 16,961 bottles and 201 magnums were filled in June 2018.

Vega Sicilia has increased the capacity in oak vats—they have 40,000 liters more. They produce between 235,000 and 300,000 bottles per year depending on the vintage.

Suckling 99, This is Vega Sicilia's 2025 release. A mix of three vintages: 2011, 2012 and 2013. Blackberries, ashtray, incense, fine spices, dark chocolate and touches of black pepper and balsamic. Almost something bloody, but the highlight is really the sheer, velvety sheet of sweet, fully melted tannins, which are ultra-polished and refined. The long finish goes on well over a minute. Drink on release or hold.