Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva 1994

Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva 1994

The 1994 Unico is a blend of 80% Tinto Fino, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot (presumably 2% is unknown varieties) that was picked on September 28. It is very intense with notes of raspberry, wild strawberry, and mulberry with sensational minerality and vigor. There is a Margaux-like florality to 1994 that blossoms with aeration. The palate is rounded and supple on the entry with great weight and backbone. There is real substance here, similar to 1996. It expands in the mouth with ravishing notes of blackberry, strawberry, citrus lemon, orange peel, and a touch of cedar. There is an enormous weight on the finish, a behemoth of a Unico. This is very potent, but it still requires several years in the bottle. 96,280 bottles were produced. Drink 2019-2040.

Critical Acclaim

96 Points Robert Parker

It is very intense with notes of raspberry, wild strawberry and mulberry with sensational minerality and vigor. There is a Margaux-like florality to 1994 that blossoms with aeration. The palate is rounded and supple on the entry with great weight and backbone. There is real substance here, similar to 1996. It expands in the mouth with ravishing notes of blackberry, strawberry, citrus lemon, orange peel, and a touch of cedar. There is an enormous weight on the finish, a behemoth of a Unico. This is very potent, but it still requires several years in the bottle.

96 Wine Spectator

Still dark in color, with alluring aromas of blackberry, mineral and cigar box, this red shows a firm, fresh, balanced palate, with black cherry, vanilla, mineral and floral flavors that mingle over the firm, well-integrated tannins and float onto a long finish. It’s harmonious, lively, and complex, not showy but with great beauty and character.

95 Wine Enthusiast

Who else but Vega holds wines for more than 10 years before their release? This gorgeous nico spent 104 months in large casks and smaller barrels, yet there’s virtually no overt wood. The nose is foresty and complex, with hints of tomato, leather and licorice. Flavors of plum, cherry and vanilla are otherworldly, and there’s enough tobacco to conjure memories of a fine cigar. A Tempranillo-Cabernet-Merlot blend was worthy of its reputation.