Vega Sicilia Unico 2016 [in bond, ex VAT] (3 x 75cl)

96% Tempranillo, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon 

3x 75cl * 14.5% ABV * Ribera del Duero, Spain

Vega Sicilia was the founding estate for Ribera del Duero, first put on the vinous map in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who planted cuttings of Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux together with the native Tempranillo in this hot, continental region in north, central Spain. Shunning a formulaic approach, wines are aged in a variety of French and American oak barrels, both old and new, across different shapes and sizes.

The arrival of Gonzalo Iturriaga de Juan as technical director at Vega Sicilia in 2016 marked a shift towards greater precision, balance and vineyard expression. Unico 2016 reflects both this direction and an outstanding vintage, earning 98 points from Tim Atkin MW. 

Produced only from the estate’s finest plots, Unico undergoes one of Spain’s longest ageing processes, moving through oak barrels, large wooden vats and extended bottle ageing. Careful selection in its first year determines whether a wine continues as Unico or is directed to Valbuena, ensuring only the most structured and age-worthy lots remain.

The 2016 vintage delivered a fragrant, elegant and understated wine, shaped by a cool growing season, late harvest and gradual ripening, resulting in a complex, slowly unfolding expression with exceptional longevity.

Drink now to 2060. Store between 12-14ºC and serve at 18ºC.

18.5/20, Ferran Centelles for Jancisrobinson.com: 'Stylistically, this is a tertiary wine, yet far from fading. Notes of black tea, leather and earth appear with remarkable purity and precision, framed by hints of cedar and a graceful aromatic lift. The palate is unexpectedly delicate, showing integrated and delicate tannins with subtle spice - touches of clove and sandalwood - adding nuance. While 2014 and 2015 were warm years, 2016 was not cool but was certainly less warm, resulting in a wine that is slightly less concentrated, more refined and with a thread of primary brightness still intact. Shades of black cherry and cassis mingle with a distinctive pine-forest freshness, and the oak - expertly integrated - acts in a supporting role. It feels like a quiet evolution for Unico: less overtly oaky, more transparent, and carrying a sense of purity that elevates the estate's signature character rather than shifting it. A wine capable of lighting up a dining room simply by crossing it on its way to a table - and one that will bring immense pride to collectors and admirers alike. 

Please note that prices are in-bond and exclude VAT and duty. ETA April/May 2026.