The 2013 Vega Sicilia Unico Proprietary Blend from Ribera Del Duero, Spain, is a remarkable red wine that has garnered high praise from critics. Produced by the esteemed Vega Sicilia, this wine is a blend of 97% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine boasts an alcohol content of 14.0%.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a 97 score, noting its subtlety, elegance, and freshness despite the challenging, rainy harvest of 2013. The wine is described as "complex, silky and with precision," featuring "very fine tannins" and a "clean and fresh" profile. The wine matured initially in 225-liter barrels before transitioning to 22,000-liter oak vats, ultimately being bottled in June 2019. According to the reviewer, the wine is "one of the finest Únicos in the last few years."
Wine Spectator gave the wine a 96 score, praising its rich and savory qualities. The review highlights notes of "leather, mesquite smoke and fresh earth" which transition to "black plum, dried mint, spice box and graphite." The wine's firm, chalky tannins are noted for their finesse and overall balance, extending to a lasting finish.
Wine & Spirits rated the wine at 95, describing it as a "silken pleasure" with a complex blend of "pipe tobacco, black-mushroom umami, red currant, red meat and flamed orange peel." The review emphasizes the wine's adaptability to its terroir and the vines' age, resulting in a wine with dry tannins and dark fruit tension.
James Suckling awarded the wine an exceptional score of 98, noting its "polished and complex nose" with aromas of "poached plums, dark cherries, tea leaves, graphite, milk chocolate and a touch of caramel." The wine is described as "medium-to full-bodied with firm yet creamy tannins," and a balance of ripeness and freshness.
Wine Enthusiast also rated it at 98, highlighting its "inky garnet" color and a bouquet of "blackberry and bittersweet chocolate." The wine is noted for its refinement and power, featuring flavors of "purple plum, Mission fig, mocha and star-anise" with plush tannins.
Jane Anson gave the highest score of 99, describing the wine as "nuanced, complex, light on its feet, singular and utterly delicious." The review mentions flavors of "soy, soot, smoke, lightly smoked spice, creme de cassis, blackberry pastille and liquorice," with a long, gripping finish.
Decanter provided a score of 93, acknowledging the wine's youth and potential for development. It mentions "aromatics of red berries, violets and balsamic," and a "bold line of tannin" reflective of the complicated vintage.
In summary, the 2013 Vega Sicilia Unico is a highly acclaimed wine characterized by its complexity, elegance, and balance, making it a standout in its vintage.