Wines Ribera del Duero Vega Sicilia - Unico - 2000

Viniou Reviews

The Vega Sicilia Único 2000 is a Spanish red wine of exceptional pedigree, hailing from the prestigious Ribera del Duero Denominación de Origen in Castile and León. Crafted from a meticulously selected blend—primarily Tempranillo (known locally as Tinto Fino), with a generous yet harmonious proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon—this vintage exemplifies both power and elegance. The 2000 year offered conditions conducive to balanced ripeness and classic structure. Único undergoes an exceptionally long ageing process, spending up to ten years in a combination of large wooden vats and smaller oak barrels, which imparts remarkable complexity, finesse and longevity. The result is a wine of deep garnet hue, with intricate aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant, cedar, dried herbs, and a hint of tobacco and leather, underpinned by a refined, persistent tannic structure and vibrant acidity.

Ribera del Duero sits along the Duero river in Castile and León, where harsh continental climate shapes the wines. Winters are cold, summers are hot and dry, yet dramatic diurnal temperature shifts favour slow grape maturation and produce wines with concentration and freshness. The region’s soils, a mix of limestone, clay and gravel, contribute minerality and complexity. Ribera's winemaking tradition dates back to Roman times, but its global reputation surged in the late 20th century, with Vega Sicilia at its heart as a benchmark for Spanish fine wine.

Such a majestic wine calls for noble pairings. It is ideally suited to roasted or slow-cooked meats—think Castilian suckling lamb (lechazo asado), rib of beef, or game dishes like venison with wild mushrooms. Aged hard cheeses, especially Manchego, make a sublime match, as do rich stews such as oxtail in red wine sauce.

To fully appreciate Vega Sicilia Único 2000, decant the wine at least an hour before serving to unlock its full aromatic spectrum. Serve at 16-18°C to best reveal its layered complexity and graceful evolution in the glass. This is a wine for contemplation and special occasions, offering a rare glimpse into the heights Spanish viticulture can attain.