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 2012 Vega Sicilia Unico is a striking red wine, hailing from the esteemed Ribera Del Duero sub-region of Castilla y Leon, Spain. This is a wine that is a testament to the prowess of its producer, Vega Sicilia, known for crafting wines of unparalleled quality and character.

The proprietary blend used in this vintage has resulted in a red wine that is as intriguing as it is enjoyable. The color is a deep, enticing red, promising a rich and intense flavor profile. The wine's reviews attest to its complex and powerful essence.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate notes the less ripe tannins due to the warm, dry year but is also keen to highlight the power that this vintage brings. James Suckling is taken with the wine's intensity, with dark tar, smoky notes, and dark fruit being prominent. The structure is tight and compact, with polished, firm tannins, and a long finish.

Decanter's review outlines a bright red cherry aromatic profile, with a palate that is tight and possesses firm, bold tannins. Wine Spectator paints a picture of a fresh and elegant wine with deep notes of tarry smoke, fig cake, espresso, and iron, alongside appealing fruit and spice.

Wine Enthusiast focuses on the dominance of milk chocolate, butterscotch, and black cherry on the nose. The palate is rich with black plum, black cherry, and chocolate-covered espresso bean. Wine & Spirits highlights the delicate side of this vintage, with floral notes of violets and honey, and plenty of bold, luscious fruit.

Overall, the 2012 Vega Sicilia Unico is a wine of depth and complexity, a vintage that will undoubtedly continue to evolve beautifully for years to come, offering an unforgettable drinking experience.