Unico is Vega Sicilia’s flagship wine, made from varying proportions of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each provides a differentiating factor that makes the wine great in every vintage.

Unico remains true to a clear and well-defined style, with an inimitable character, elegance, and strength. It has a unique and timeless quality that has elevated it among the aristocracy of the great classic wines. Infinitely complex, the wine is silky and elegant, with an aging capacity that only a handful of wines in the world can claim.

The 1996 Vega Sicilia Unico is a proprietary blend from Spain's Ribera Del Duero region, produced by the esteemed Vega Sicilia winery. This red wine, sealed with a cork and boasting an alcohol content of 13.5%, has received high praise from several respected wine reviewers.

Decanter rated this vintage 93 points, noting its matured appearance and nose, with "notes of truffle and woodsmoke" suggesting its age. However, the wine still possesses a lively character with "bright redcurrant fruits, a silky mid-palate and a balancing rasp of tannins on the finish." The review emphasizes that the wine is "superbly elegant" and has many years of aging potential ahead.

Wine Spectator also awarded the 1996 Vega Sicilia Unico 93 points. The review highlights its firmness and freshness, showcasing flavors of "cherry, licorice, chocolate and light herbal flavors that linger and bloom on the finish." The wine is described as balanced with an "appealing spicy note," making it enticing for repeated sips. Wine Spectator suggests that this wine was ideal for consumption up until 2012, with 8,500 cases produced.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine an impressive 98 points, praising the 1996 vintage as a standout year for Ribera del Duero. Luis Gutiérrez notes the wine's "great freshness and balance," with a "lively and agile palate." The inclusion of 10% Cabernet Sauvignon adds a characteristic balsamic undertone. Gutiérrez mentions that this vintage drinks exceptionally well today and pairs wonderfully with food, yet it also has a promising future, especially in magnum format. He considers it one of his favorite modern vintages.

James Suckling also rated the wine 98 points, extolling its complex and elegant profile. He describes an array of aromas including "dried violets, figs, cacao, hazelnuts, dried herbs, and subtle tiger-balm hints." The palate is "sleek, tangy and complex," with layers of wild herbs and spices enveloped in ultra-fine tannins. Suckling recommends either drinking it now or holding it for further aging.

In summary, the 1996 Vega Sicilia Unico is a highly acclaimed wine with a balanced and complex profile, praised for its elegance and aging potential by multiple reviewers.