2010 Vega Sicilia, Único, Ribera del Duero ($590)

94% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), 6% Cabernet-Sauvignon

Único is the pinnacle of Vega Sicilia’s winemaking—a wine of extraordinary complexity, balance, and longevity. Produced only in the finest vintages, the 2010 Único exemplifies why this estate is regarded as Spain’s most prestigious winery. Crafted from low-yielding vines averaging over 50 years of age, the wine reflects the estate’s meticulous biodynamic farming and commitment to purity.

The 2010 vintage is sourced from 40 hectares of Vega Sicilia’s most exceptional vineyards, where 19 distinct soil types and the influence of the Duero River converge to create unparalleled terroir. Aged for 10 years in a combination of French and American oak barrels, large wooden vats, and bottle, Único undergoes one of the longest aging processes in the world. This approach creates a wine that is breathtakingly complex upon release and capable of evolving for decades.

The 2010 Único is a wine of historic quality and unmatched elegance. A deep garnet hue hints at its concentration and power. On the nose, it delivers layers of dark cherry, blackberry, and cassis, interwoven with cedar, tobacco, graphite, and leather. Subtle nuances of vanilla, clove, and nutmeg emerge with time in the glass. The palate is expansive and finely layered, with concentrated fruit, fresh acidity, and velvety tannins seamlessly integrated into a harmonious whole. The remarkably long finish leaves a lingering impression of dark fruit, spices, and mineral undertones.

This vintage showcases an interplay of youth and ageability. While approachable now with decanting, it will continue to develop even greater depth and refinement over the next 25–30 years.

Critical Acclaim

• 99 Points - James Suckling: "Perfection is rare in wine, but this Único is stunning."

• 98 Points - Wine Advocate: "Powerful, intense, and magnificent."

• 98 Points - Decanter: "Historic quality, with unmatched delicacy and complexity."

• 98 Points - Vinous: "Superb focus and vibrant lift, a never-ending finish."

A Historic Vintage
The 2010 Único is widely regarded as one of the greatest vintages of the past century. Even after a decade of aging, it retains remarkable freshness and a perfect harmony between fruit and tertiary aromas. Its fine-grained tannins and velvety texture provide structure without overpowering, making it a wine of incredible finesse and power. This is a Único to savor now or to treasure in the cellar for decades to come.

2016 Vega Sicilia, Valbuena 5, Ribera Del Duero, Spain ($232)

95% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), 5% Merlot

Valbuena 5° is Vega Sicilia’s second wine, but it stands as a masterpiece in its own right, reflecting the estate’s meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Sourced from younger vines on the estate, Valbuena is aged for five years—initially in a combination of French and American oak barrels and then in large wooden vats—before its release. The 2014 vintage exemplifies the elegance and balance that define the estate’s wines, with the additional presence of Merlot lending a softer, fruit-forward dimension.

The wine reveals a vibrant ruby hue, with aromas of red currants, wild strawberries, and ripe cherries, accented by notes of balsamic, leather, and forest floor. Subtle hints of vanilla, tobacco, and clove enhance the aromatic profile. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with a core of bright red fruit framed by supple tannins and lively acidity. The finish is long and refined, with echoes of red fruit, sweet spices, and a touch of earthiness. Accessible now with decanting, this wine will develop further nuance and complexity over the next 10–15 years, making it a prized addition to any collection.

Critical Acclaim

• 96 Points - James Suckling: "A stunning Valbuena with layers of ripe berries, balsamic, and licorice. Elegant and beautifully balanced with a long, refined finish."

• 94 Points - Wine Spectator: "Vivid and harmonious, offering a core of vibrant red fruit and polished tannins that glide into a silky, lingering finish."

• 94 Points - Decanter: "Sophisticated and complex, with a seamless integration of fruit, acidity, and oak."

• 94 Points - Wine Advocate: "A benchmark expression of Tempranillo, showcasing freshness, depth, and finesse."

2019 Vega Sicilia, Alion, Ribera Del Duero, Spain ($154)

100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo)

Alión refers to the area of León where the patriarch of the winemaking Álvarez family was born, it is located just 15 kilometers from the winery. Alion’s vines are an average of 39 years old, 100% Tempranillo (Tinto Fino), and farmed in a biodynamic lowest-intervention-possible style, as is Vega Sicilia’s mission. Alión represents Vega Sicilia's modern expression of Tempranillo, combining traditional techniques with contemporary winemaking practices. The 2019 vintage was aged in new French oak barrels, enhancing its structure and depth, while preserving the purity of fruit.

The 2019 showcases a deep, intense color. Aromas of ripe blackberries, blueberries, and plums dominate the nose, accompanied by hints of violets, cocoa, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, with a velvety texture and well-rounded tannins. The vibrant acidity provides freshness, leading to a long, flavorful finish with echoes of dark fruit and subtle oak nuances. While approachable in its youth, this wine will benefit from additional cellaring and is expected to evolve gracefully over the next 15–20 years. 

Critical Acclaim:

• 95 Points - James Suckling: "Deeply impressive, with vibrant blackberries, violets, and sweet spices. Rich and full-bodied, yet balanced and fresh, with a long, velvety finish."

• 94 Points - Wine Advocate: "A modern interpretation of Tempranillo with precise craftsmanship. Richly textured and beautifully layered, with aging potential to spare."

• 94 Points - Vinous: "Intense and polished, with concentrated dark fruit and an elegant, mineral-driven finish."

• 94 Points - Decanter: "A fresh and approachable style of Vega Sicilia, offering immediate pleasure with the structure to age gracefully."

More from Vega Sicilia …

• Premium Cellar Collection: Vega Sicilia 2010 Único + 2014 Valbuena 5° 2-bottle Set

• Premium Cellar Collection: 2010 Vega Sicilia, Único, Ribera del Duero, Spain

• Premium Cellar Collection: 2019 Vega Sicilia, Alion, Ribera del Duero, Spain 3-bottle Set

PLEASE NOTE

• Purchasers must be 21 years of age or older and be present with an ID upon delivery.

• Price includes 5.50% Maine State sales tax and Maine’s fifteen-cents redemption deposit per bottle.

• If your billing address is different from your delivery address, please include your delivery address in the comments section at checkout.

• *Delivery is by Wine Wise—not third-party carriers. Our delivery area is Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland Foreside, Falmouth, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Saco, Scarborough, South Portland, and Westbrook. We have a larger delivery area for Wine Club deliveries.