Ericsson

9.6

No one chooses to have these kinds of bottles, the bottles themselves choose you. From the first whiff, you can smell the age; dried cherries, weathered leather, a trace of cigar box, and a hint of vanilla that lingers like memories of wilder days. On the palate, the wine unfolds slowly, each layer revealing the finesse of a life lived with grit and grace. The tannins, softened with age yet carrying a hint of defiance. — 23 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Primarily Tempranillo with some Graciano and Mazuelo blended in. Deep ruby color with a garnet rim. Intense black fruit aromas, leather and baking spices. Flavors of blackberry, black plum, baker’s chocolate, cinnamon and tobacco. Nice cedar, dill and vanilla notes on the long and lasting finish. Smooth and very well rounded tannins. Great balance of oak, acidity and alcohol. Full bodied. Fresh, well structured and complex. — 2 days ago

Ericsson

9.8

New vintage release tasting at Vega Sicilia in Ribera del Duero. The 2015 Unico presented an elegant profile, while the 2020 Valbuena showcased a bolder character. Traditionally, Unico is known for its power and structure, whereas Valbuena tends to be the more refined and elegant wine. Staff assured me it is not a reversal in winemaking techniques but rather a juxtaposition of their respective vintages. — 18 days ago

John Malcolm

9.5

Silky smooth tannins. Dark cherries, plum, cedar, and smoke. Full-bodied. Delicious! — 10 days ago

Ashish Pant

9.2

Great balance of tannins and acidity right out of the bottle. — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Dark/muddy ruby color with an orange rim. Aromas of black, red and blue fruit with hints of earth and smoke. Blackberry, blueberry and dark plum on the palate with additional notes of coffee, dark chocolate, dusty earth and tobacco. Long and lingering mineral laden finish. Well integrated, balanced and elegant. Appropriately aged. Solid. Best of the Campo Viejo Rioja offerings. Thanks Chris B! — 17 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

90% Tempranillo; 10% Graciano. Red fruited perfume, earthy with medium plus intensity. Palate at 21 years is developed, balanced and soft with fully integrated tannins. Medium weight with declining strength to its inner core. Not near as good on the 2nd night. This aged overnight and finishes a little sour. I was going to give it 94 points but will now give 90 points. — 6 days ago

Bruce Leboff

9.2

A baby but what fun to drink. Grippy cherry and tobacco. Well balanced and very long finish. Super — 13 days ago

with David

Mel

9.0

Soft and fruity with balanced tannins. Maybe softer than preferred to pair with pizza, but quite good anyway on its own — a day ago

Ericsson

9.4

New vintage release tasting at Vega Sicilia in Ribera del Duero. The 2015 Unico presented an elegant profile, while the 2020 Valbuena showcased a bolder character. Traditionally, Unico is known for its power and structure, whereas Valbuena tends to be the more refined and elegant wine. Staff assured me it is not a reversal in winemaking techniques but rather a juxtaposition of their respective vintages. — 15 days ago