VEGA SICILIA Unico Gran Reserva 1996 Bottle

Description

The 1996 Vega Sicilia Único Gran Reserva is a remarkable expression of classic elegance, earning 98 points from The Wine Advocate and James Suckling. This vintage showcases a captivating bouquet of aged cassis, blackberry, and plum, alongside intricate notes of cedar, tobacco, and leather. The palate is beautifully balanced, presenting velvety tannins and refined acidity, culminating in a long, persistent finish. James Suckling highlights its complex aromas of dried violets and hazelnuts, while Decanter praises the wine’s explosive character with chocolate and balsamic hints. Jancis Robinson awarded it 18 points, appreciating its earthy undertones and tangy freshness. This exceptional wine exemplifies the greatness of its vintage, making it a treasured addition for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

*****

THE WINE ADVOCATE 98 points
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
Drink Date: 2010 - 2040
1996 was a great vintage in Ribera del Duero, following 1994 and 1995, which were not shabby either. The 1996 Único shows a classical year, still with 13.5% alcohol, with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that gives it the characteristic balsamic undertone. The wine has great freshness and balance, and it has a lively and agile palate. Thinking back to younger vintages, it feels like there was a change after 1996. It drinks very well today and works wonders with food, but it also has a good future ahead of it, especially in magnum. This was one of my favorite modern vintages, along with 2014 and 2004. Artwork by Benjamín Palencia.

JAMES SUCKLING 98 points
What a nose! Dried violets, figs, cacao, hazelnuts, dried herbs and subtle tiger-balm hints, as well as Chinese five spice. It’s sleek, tangy and complex. Elegant and light-footed layers of wild herbs and spice, wrapped up in ultra-fine tannins. Drinking deliciously. 90% tempranillo and 10% cabernet sauvignon. Tasted from magnum. Drink or hold.

JANCIS ROBINSON 18 points
Deep garnet but starting to lose colour. Purely dried red fruit on the nose at this stage, earthy forest floor and damp cedar. The acid here is noticeably tangy – more so than the 2004 or 2014 – I'd guess this is because the fruit has just started to fade. Powdery, fine tannin. Still delicious but fully mature. (SCJ)

DECANTER 95 points
Tasted by: Sarah Jane Evans MW
(at Vega Sicilia anniversary tasting, 06 Sep 2022)
Part of Vega Sicilia Único: anniversary vertical tasting of 40 vintages
Drinking Window: 2022 - 2035
An explosive, expressive wine, alive with chocolate, strawberry, menthol and balsamic aromas. The palate reveals an equally bold structure and rich red fruit compote. The tannins are lightly drying and ultimately the finish tails off. It seems much older than the 1998. However, a very enjoyable journey and a wine to enjoy now. Cold, wet spring, hot summer with some rain. Spent 20 months in large-capacity wooden vats, 24 months In new casks, 24 months in semi-new, then 19 months in large-capacity wooden casks. 99, 480 bottles, 2,235 magnums and 150 double magnums. Tasted from magnum.

VINOUS 94 points
From: The Best New Wines from Spain, Part 1 (Jul 2007)
Deep ruby. Complex, heady bouquet of kirsch, candied plum, cured tobacco, licorice, dried rose and cedar. Pungent herbal notes build with aeration and repeat on the palate, adding complexity to the deep, ripe cherry and dark berry liqueur flavors. Remarkably elegant wine with precise cherry/berry flavors and a slow-mounting mocha quality on the long, sappy finish. There's a very impressive interplay of fruit and tannins here. - By Josh Raynolds on July 2007