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2003 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia Ribera del Duero Unico #235704524
750ml
Reviews 94 points Wine Advocate "2003 was the year of the " canicule " in Europe, an extremely warm summer that made Germans acidify their Rieslings and saw Bordeaux with 40 degrees Celsius during Vinexpo. In that context, the 2003 Unico showed surprisingly well. It's tannic, serious and austere, a little in the style of 2005. It's mainly Tempranillo with 8% of Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% alcohol with a warm nose and a softer palate, gentler compared with 2005. 2,616 magnums produced. Artwork Manolo Valdes. (LG)" 95 points Vinous "Inky ruby. Highly aromatic scents of ripe cherry and dark berries, singed plum, cured tobacco and succulent herbs, with a vanilla undertone. Sweet, expansive and powerful, offering intense black and blue fruit flavors with smoke and floral accents. Rich and full but surprisingly lively, with excellent finishing thrust and sweet, harmonious tannins adding grip. Shows the ripeness of the vintage to good effect; this is a somewhat approachable and exotic Unico, especially with some air, but it has the concentration to age slowly. (JR)"
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About Bodegas Vega-Sicilia
Bodegas Vega-Sicilia, a beacon of excellence in Spain's Ribera del Duero region, is celebrated for its meticulous winemaking and exceptional quality. The estate spans approximately 1,000 hectares, with 210 hectares dedicated to vineyards, primarily planted with Tempranillo, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a hint of Malbec. This diverse selection forms the backbone of Vega-Sicilia’s prestigious wines.
The flagship Unico, composed mainly of Tempranillo and select Bordeaux varietals, is produced only in the best vintages and epitomizes the winery's dedication to quality. Unico Reserva Especial, a blend of multiple top Unico vintages, is known for its extraordinary complexity, developed over aging periods ranging from a decade to three decades. Valbuena 5°, sourced from younger vines, offers a more accessible yet still exceptional expression of Vega-Sicilia’s craft.
The winery employs a sophisticated system of rackings between large barrels and barriques, blending old and new oak, to produce wines with remarkable longevity. This nuanced approach to aging ensures that each bottle embodies a perfect balance of power, elegance, and depth.
Vega-Sicilia's influence extends beyond its home estate. It owns additional wineries such as Bodegas Alión, Bodegas Pintia, the Deiva winery in Rías Baixas, and the Tokaj estate, Oremus. Their joint venture with Compagnie Viticole Baron Edmond de Rothschild in Rioja, Macán, further exemplifies their innovative spirit.
Under the stewardship of the Alvarez family, Vega-Sicilia continues to uphold its storied legacy, producing wines that are both highly collectible and a pinnacle of Spanish viticulture.