Vega Sicilia Unico 1965

Vega Sicilia Único 1965 is a mature, Tempranillo-based red wine produced in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. Vega Sicilia was founded in 1864 by Don Eloy Lecanda y Chaves, who established the vineyards with cuttings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec taken from the vineyards of Bordeaux. The estate planted Tempranillo alongside these Bordelais varietals, which now makes up the majority of the modern Vega Sicilia blend. The flagship wines are Único and Único Reserva Especial – the former is aged for 10 years before release while the latter is a blend of only the finest vintages. "The 1965 is a blend of 80% Tinta Fino, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec and Merlot. The bottle in January was more representative and a real surprise. It had a sedate, almost tertiary nose with cedar and peppermint. It is almost aloof when compared to the 1967. The palate was beautifully balanced with cough candy on the entry that leads to an almost Port-like finish with hints of kirsch. There is a sense of completeness to the 1965 that is irresistible." Wine Advocate, 2012