Description

97 points Decanter

Glorious, wonderfully youthful and expressive, belying its age. The palate is rich and juicy, packed with energy, the tannin lies cleanly underneath and is overlaid by pomegranate and balsamic notes. The wine is the unlikely result of a cold winter, hot summer with wide diurnal temperature range, and a late, difficult harvest. After fermentation, aged 18 months in new French oak casks, then decanted into old and progressively older casks during seven years, then bottle aged. The blend includes Merlot and Malbec. (SE) (9 2022)

96 points John Gilman

The celestial bouquet wafts from the glass in a blend of black cherries, blood orange, cigar smoke, beautiful Vega spice tones, eucalyptus, a marvelous base of soil, pipe tobacco and new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and impeccably balanced, with a plush core of fruit, excellent soil signature, zesty acids, outstanding complexity and still some backend tannins buried in the very, very long and pure finish. (JG) 96+ (1 2020)

96 points Wine Advocate

The 1981 Unico is one of the forgotten gems of the decade, yet at thirty years of age it has really come into its own. It is a blend of 65% Tinto Fino, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot Malbec. Initially it seems lighter on the nose than the 1982, but given time in the glass it simply blossoms with pure kirsch and Morello cherry aromas, plus a dalliance with orange sorbet. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully balanced. There is a sense of symmetry, the leitmotif of great Unico wines. Fresh and vital, this 1981 is a stunning addition to the pantheon of great wines from this estate. 77,092 bottles produced. Drink now-2030. (NM) (8 2012)

94 points James Suckling

The length here is impressive, with persistent spiciness, showing blackberries, blackcurrant leaves, iodine, kalamata olives and spices. Medium-bodied with firm and fine tannins. Drying slightly, but long and delicious. 65% tempranillo, 20% cabernet sauvignon and 15% merlot and malbec. (9 2022)

93 points Wine Spectator

This beautiful red from Spain would put many a Bordeaux from the same vintage to shame. It s got a deep, youthful color, alluring spice and cherry pie aromas and a supple yet concentrated palate with cherry, spice and tobacco flavors. The tannins are softening, yet will still match with food, and the finish is long and spicy. *Highly Recommended* (TM) (5 1998)

Jancis Robinson

Complete, ripe but still so incredibly fresh and vibrant. 19 20 points (JR) (9 2022)