Vega Sicilia - Unico 2005

The Wine Advocate: "Neal Martin had already tasted the 2005 Único in 2012, before I joined The Wine Advocate, but then they released 2007 and 2008 before and the 2005 has been kept until now, as they thought the vintage required some more time in bottle. It's mostly Tempranillo with some 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats and aged for almost six years in 225-liter French and American oak barrels and 20,000-liter oak vats. The extra time in bottle has helped the wine to develop its bouquet, and it feels very aromatic and open, with the classical Vega Sicilia perfume of yesteryear, earthy, leafy and spicy, even if they wine was kept because of its power. It's still powerful, but at the same time it's elegant and has a polished mouthfeel and fine-grained tannins."

James Suckling: "Lots of ripe fruit and layers. Very polished. Pretty density and freshness. Rich and flavorful yet a little loosely knit. Incense, hints of vanilla and flowers. Tight still."

Decanter: "Único is the Vega Sicilia classic, famously built to last, but this vintage is remarkably approachable already. Aromas of truffle and forest floor introduce a bright and warm palate of red berry fruits, lifted by a tangerine acidity and a fine, mineral finish. The 12 years of ageing have achieved smooth and supple tannins that are well integrated. This is not destined to be the most long-lived of Únicos, but is full of pleasure now. 94% Tinto Fino, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. This spent six years in French and American oak, both new and used barrels, and 20,000 litre vats."