Vega Sicilia Unico 1970

Vega Sicilia Unico 1970For many years, the 1970 Unico was the greatest Spanish wine that I had ever tasted, and although this was not the same caliber as the previous perfect example, it remains a fabulous wine. It is a blend of 70% Tinto Fino, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot and Malbec and aged for ten years in barriques. It has a thrilling Bordeaux like personality on the nose that is more aloof than other vintages. The Cabernet component in the blend is pronounced,

Full-bodied and very sweet

well-integrated tannin

intense on the finish with that trademark Coutet acidity driving the finish and lending so much energy

even perfumed nose that remains entirely primary offers up notes of spice

This is an interesting wine of contrasts as the mid-palate

spectacular and about the only nit is a discreet touch of backend warmth

which is to say after 7 to 8 years

This is actually quite similar in quality and expression though with just a bit more mid-palate concentration

The palate impression is impressively rich with excellent volume along with plenty of the hallmark minerality suffusing the sleek

not sugar) flavors

black berry and anise hints

This is structurally interesting as the mid-palate is quite generous yet the serious finish makes clear that this is going to require extended aging to realize its full potential