Vega Sicilia Ribera del Duero Unico Reserva Especial 2015 750ml

The current NV Único Reserva Especial 2015 Release is a blend of 1994, 1996 and 2000, for a total of 54 barrels. The wine was bottled around 2009-2010 and the older wines are kept in oak vats until the blend is done. To me this wine retains the more classical Vega Sicilia style, with a longer aging of the wines before bottling, a more Burgundian, complex and developed wine with more tertiary aromas of truffles, forest floor, paprika, spices and something earthy. The palate is medium to full-bodied, but quite polished, almost fully-resolved tannins, good, lively acidity and great length. This is a complex, profound wine that brought me back to the Vegas of yesteryear. Simply superb. 15,605 bottles and 236 magnums produced.

• Country: Spain
• Region: Castilla Y Leon
• Appellation: Ribera Del Duero
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Tempranillo

There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.