One of Spain’s best-known and beloved wines, this vintage, the 2015 Unico, like always, saw five years of aging in barrel and vat and another five years in bottle. It was bottled in May 2021. Blending 96% Tempranillo and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Vega Sicilia estate, usually from the same plots of 40+-year-old vines, it opens in expressive, juicy, lush pomegranate and dark cherry carried by supple, silky tannins and bright acidity. The length and structure are remarkable. The grapes were harvested “al dente,” when they were crisp, fresh, and juicy, perfectly ripe. There is tremendous balance between the wine’s acidity and freshness and full-bodied power. This will age 60 years and is winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga's first vintage. Drink: 2025-2085. 

100 Pts Jeb Dunnuck

Responding to the heat and power of the 2015 vintage, Gonzalo Iturriaga was grateful for the 4% Cabernet Sauvignon in this blend with Tinto Fino. Firmer and denser than the 2014 release, it partners aromas of earth, tobacco leaf and dark chocolate with a palate of Asian spices, ginger, cassis and blackberry and polished tannins. A triumph over the elements. 2028-40. 

98 Pts Tim Atkin

Very whole and round with a generous width on the mid-palate offset by an assertive energy, supported by vivid acid and a well-presented tannic framework. An interesting counterpoint to the more chiseled linearity of the 2014 iteration. With all elements very much in their right place, but fruit still unapologetically punchy, it'll be interesting to see how this evolves as tertiary complexity softens the primary and secondary vividness. Cocoa powder, dry tobacco leaves and seaweed hover over juicy plum, dark cherry and black olive. Very long, spicy finish with lingering tapenade and salty liquorice. Drinking Window: 2025-2050.

98 Pts Decanter