Vega Sicilia, one of Spain’s most famous and legendary wine estates, is located in Ribera del Duero, in the Valbuena de Duero in the province of Valladolid, Castilla y Leon. Founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lacanda y Chaves, who brought cuttings of Bordelaise varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Pinot Noir from Bordeaux, the estate changed hands several times before it was purchased in 1982 by the Alvarez family. This marked the beginning of one of the most prosperous periods in the history of the company.

A large estate of nearly 1,000 hectares, just 210 hectares are planted to vines which have been grown on the Vega Sicilia estate for over a hundred years. The vines, with an average age of 35 years, are planted to three varieties: Tempranillo (80%), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and are used to produce Vega Sicilia Unico and Valbuena, as well as wine for their sister property, Bodegas Alion.

Founded on an unwavering commitment to quality and the pursuit of excellence, Vega Sicilia’s guiding principle is that “the best wine is still to be made”.

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 2011 Vega Sicilia Unico is a remarkable red wine from the Ribera Del Duero region of Spain. With its deep and intense flavors, this proprietary blend showcases the best of the region's terroir and winemaking expertise.

In the glass, the wine displays a radiant ruby color that shimmers with elegance. The aroma is immediately captivating, with vibrant notes of ripe blackberries, hazelnuts, and praline. There is also a touch of chocolate orange and iron, adding complexity to the bouquet. It is a wine that exudes intensity and concentration.

On the palate, the Unico reveals its true character. It is full-bodied, with finely textured yet muscular tannins that provide structure and depth. The flavors of ripe black fruit, cherry liqueur, and spicecake dance on the tongue, accompanied by hints of pipe tobacco and vanilla. The wine displays exceptional clarity and outstanding balance, with a long and lingering finish. It is a wine that demands attention and rewards the senses.

The 2011 vintage is a testament to the winemaking prowess of Vega Sicilia. Selected from their finest vineyards, the wine is a blend of 95% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were carefully sorted and underwent a meticulous fermentation process before being aged for a remarkable 10 years in a combination of new and used French and American oak barrels and oak vats.

Renowned wine critics have also praised the 2011 Vega Sicilia Unico. James Suckling awarded it an impressive score of 98 points, describing it as well-framed and with a long future ahead. Wine Spectator gave it 95 points, highlighting its concentrated flavors and good balance. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 94 points, noting its developed nose and distinct character.

This is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but it also has the potential to age gracefully for many years to come. Whether savored on its own or paired with a decadent meal, the 2011 Vega Sicilia Unico is a wine that will leave a lasting impression.