Vega Sicilia Unico 2014

Tim Atkin:

The 2014 Único is the second consecutive wine from a cooler year, called Atlântico, although the vintage was considerably less humid than in 2013. Sourced from the best 40 hectares of the Vega Sicilia estate, spanning a total of 30 parcels, this is a surprisingly floral, full and complex Tinto Fino, with aromas of lily, wild rose and mountain herbs, with subtle French oak and 25% American oak. It has an additional structure from 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and a palate of wild blackberry, black cherry, Asian spice and tobacco, embellished and refreshed by a bright, chalky finish. 2026-40.

The Wine Advocate:

The 2014 Único was produced with grapes from 40 hectares of selected vineyards from the winery’s 210 hectares. The grapes were harvested between September 20 and October 3, and the blend was 94% Tinto Fino and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was fermented in oak vats with indigenous yeasts, with malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. The first part of the aging was in 225-liter barrels, and the second in 20,000-liter oak vats, with a total aging of 10 years between oak and bottle. It is a vintage that combines power and elegance; it is concentrated, but subtle. I had the unique opportunity to taste it from a magnum a year ago and was truly impressed. This tasting was consistent with those sensations. 2014 was a good harvest in the region, a year with good rainfall and a great crop, not as powerful as 2012 or 2015, but a year of refinement. The wine seems very balanced, with a lower alcohol content and integrated wood, crisp, fresh and still young. It has a very classic character; it is fine, elegant but also powerful, more in the style of the old Únicos. It has to be one of the best harvests in recent times. It has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.85 and five grams of acidity measured in tartaric acid per liter of wine. One of the largest productions of Único, with 104,606 bottles, 3,612 magnums, 356 double magnums, 50 imperials and five Salmanazares. It was bottled in June 2020. It seems that years ending in four — 94, 2004, 2014 (but not 84, that one wasn't produced) — are great here. We'll have to wait and see about 2024...

James Suckling:

A refined, ethereal and elegant Single. Distinct layers of assorted peppers, smoked paprika, blackberries and spiced dark fruits. Notes of orange zest and flowers. Spicy, with firmly integrated tannins. Impressive length. 94% Tempranillo and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted from magnum. Evolving well. Try on release in 2026 or later.