Vega Sicilia Unico Reserva Especial MV 2021 Release (750ML)

95 Points, Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "As has happened in the last few years, the NV Único Reserva Especial 2021 Release is composed of wines of around 10 years of age, in this case 2009, 2010 and 2011, with 2011 being the Único vintage released at the same time as this non-vintage blend. It's a tribute to the tradition and the past times, a blend of mostly Tinto Fino, the local strain of Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, and a little Cabernet Sauvignon where they look for the balance and house style by blending different vintages of Único. There are many similarities with the 2011, which can represent about one-third of the blend. There's a little more development in the aromas, some of those ripe but herbal aromas and a powerful palate but without the elegance of the 2011 vintage bottling, which has more stuffing in the mid-palate. It finishes dry, with some tannins. It's certainly younger and fresher than the Reserva Especial from yesteryear, and they are now trying to hold onto some wine to again give it some older components like in the recent past. 16,916 bottles and 257 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2017." 06/21

96 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "Saturated garnet. An expansive bouquet presents an array of dark fruit and floral qualities that are complemented by suggestions of exotic spices, vanilla, pipe tobacco and cedary oak. Stains the palate with concentrated, smoke-tinged cherry liqueur, cassis, fruitcake and candied licorice flavors, braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows excellent depth as well as energy and finishes extremely long and chewy, with resonating florality and sneaky tannins. This is the 2021 release for this always-intriguing wine, and it seems to be leading with its structured, 2010 component right now." 06/21

99 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "Extremely nuanced and complex nose that shows high-grade cigar box and cigars, fresh blackberries, orange peel, together with red-chili chocolate, walnut, iron and hints of cocoa powder. This is intense, elegant and savory with real finesse, savoriness and complexity. Juicy, dusty and immaculate tannins and an extremely long, savory finish that lasts over a minute. Mainly a blend of 2009 and 2011 and 2012. Surprisingly, this is already approachable now, but better after 2024." 11/22