Vega Sicilia Unico 2008

Lobenberg: Dunkle Beeren, etwas Pfefferwürze, auch Tabak und Teer. Dieser Dreiklang aus Würzigkeit, reifer Frucht und erdigen Noten zieht sich auch am Gaumen fort. Ein unglaublich anspruchsvoller und doch süffiger Rotwein von einem der besten Häuser. Das ist DER Wein der Ribera del Duero und noch vor Riojas Tondonia DER Vorzeigewein Spaniens. Non plus ultra! 97-98/100

Jancis Robinson: 97% Tinto Fino, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cool and wet spring followed by dry conditions from mid June but characterised by low nocturnal temperatures, dropping to 0 °C at the beginning of October (‘the anti-frost towers were therefore activated’) before harvest began on 10 October – very late vintage. Bottled June 2014: 59,214 bottles, 3,323 magnums, 210 double magnums and 24 Impériales. From magnum. Paleish crimson. Rich and sumptuous on the nose. Briary, fresh and racy on the palate with notable acidity. Quite a mismatch between nose and palate at the moment. A bit awkward and angular at present with the alcohol evident on the end. 17+/20 (2022)

Parker: The 2008 Único comes from a cold vintage in Ribera del Duero, and they even suffered from frost in September. The wine is expressive and drinking well now, juicy and with fine tannins but a bit blurry and with some rusticity. 3,323 magnums were filled in June 2014. Artwork by Lucio Muñoz. 94/100 (2023)