Vega Sicilia Único 2008

The Wine

Vega Sicilia is Spain's most legendary estate, often called the "First Growth of Spain", and Único is its flagship wine. It is made primarily from Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in the heart of the golden mile in Ribera del Duero at 700 to 900 meters above sea level. Único is aged in oak for longer than almost any other ultra fine red wine in the world. The 2008 spent more than six years in oak barrels and a further five years in bottle before release. By protocol the wine is aged for a minimum of 10 years, and it is only made in years the estate judges worthy of the name. Only 5,000 cases of the 2008 were produced, and older vintages become harder to find as bottles are opened. Jancis Robinson awards 18/20 points. Released only when ready for drinking, it will age for 50+ years, and given the prestige of the estate it is fantastic value compared to the first growths of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Napa.