1990 Vega Sicilia

Unico

Tempranillo

Spain / Castilla y Leon / Ribera del Duero

$845
RP 93
V 97
Size:
Quantity:

Availability: 4

1990 Vega Sicilia Unico – Spain’s Iconic Gran Reserva from a Benchmark Vintage

The 1990 Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva stands as a testament to the enduring greatness of Spain’s most storied estate. As the flagship wine of Vega Sicilia, Unico is crafted to age for decades, and this rare release from the 1990 vintage demonstrates extraordinary depth, complexity, and refinement. Sourced from the estate’s oldest vines in Ribera del Duero, this is a benchmark Gran Reserva that continues to captivate collectors worldwide.

Tasting Notes

After more than three decades of development, the 1990 Unico offers a sophisticated bouquet of dried cherry, cedar, cigar leaf, and leather, layered with hints of balsamic, warm spices, and forest floor. The palate is harmonious and velvety, with softened tannins, vibrant acidity, and remarkable length. Secondary and tertiary notes unfold in waves, rewarding extended aeration.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Unico is a field blend dominated by Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) with a smaller portion of Cabernet Sauvignon. It undergoes an exceptionally long élevage: extended fermentation in large oak vats, followed by over a decade of aging in a mix of French and American oak barrels and foudres, then further bottle aging before release. This rigorous process gives Unico its legendary longevity and layered complexity.

Investment & Collectibility

Vega Sicilia’s Unico has no equal in Spanish fine wine investment. The 1990 vintage is one of the greatest releases of the late 20th century, long held back by the estate and released with perfect maturity. Its rarity, pristine provenance, and extended development make it a prized acquisition for serious collectors of rare wines and iconic European reds. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Insights

The 1990 growing season in Ribera del Duero was marked by favorable conditions—ample sun, balanced rainfall, and cool nights. These factors contributed to grapes of exceptional phenolic maturity and balance, allowing Vega Sicilia to craft a wine that has aged gracefully over decades. This vintage continues to be one of the finest Unico releases from the early modern era.


Explore Related Collections

RP 93

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

I wasn't too keen on the magnum of 1990 Único that I tasted. It showed a bit blurry, not 100% clean, with some leather and dusty notes over a minty core. The current documentation mentions 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is unusually high and gives the wine a minty core. The palate showed better than the nose, still with some dusty tannins reflecting the old style with a bit of rusticity. 2,653 magnums produced. Artwork by Rafael Zabaleta. Reviewed by Luis Gutiérrez, Issue date: January 2023. Drinking window: 2000 - 2030.
V 97

Vinous

Vega-Sicilia’s 1990 Unico (magnum) is off the charts. Powerful yet also sensual, the 1990 impresses for its depth and allure. A host of dark red cherry, plum and smoke nuanced finish support the veins of underlying acidity that give the wine its freshness and tension, while the explosive finish leaves everyone speechless. Until the 1982 is poured, that is. Reviewed by Antonio Galloni, Issue date: April 2015. Drinking window: N/A.

Domestic Shipping

We currently ship to all U.S. states where the shipment of alcohol is legally permitted. Orders are fulfilled via UPS.

Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday will ship the following Monday.

Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles Metro area if placed before noon. Please contact us at (626) 714-7006 to arrange expedited local service.

Packaging & Warm Weather Shipping

To protect wine quality, all orders are packed in EPS foam shippers with gel packs when necessary. During warmer months, we recommend selecting Next Day Air service. If Ground shipping is selected during high temperatures, a signed waiver may be required to release us from liability due to heat exposure.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, bottles are removed and shipped in foam for safety. The wooden case ships separately via Ground unless otherwise requested.

Weather Holds & Free Storage

In periods of extreme weather, we reserve the right to delay shipment until safe conditions return. If you request immediate shipment during such periods, you must confirm in writing and acknowledge that you waive any condition guarantees.

We also offer complimentary temperature-controlled storage for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the “Hold for Weather” option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping at a later date.

Insurance

We provide free shipping insurance for loss or visible damage during transit, per carrier terms and conditions.

Adult Signature Required

All shipments of alcohol require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Carriers will not release packages without adult authorization. Additional charges may apply for re-delivery, redirection, or failed delivery attempts.

Shipping Address Accuracy

Orders are shipped to the exact shipping address provided at checkout. Angry Wine Merchant is not responsible for errors or omissions in the address submitted by the customer. If a package is delayed, returned, or misdelivered due to incorrect shipping details, the customer assumes full responsibility. Additional shipping fees may apply if re-shipment is required. By placing an order, you confirm that the shipping address entered is correct and agree to these terms.

States We Ship To

We ship to the following U.S. states:

Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)

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International Shipping

We do offer international shipping where legally allowed. For details, click here or contact us directly.

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
RP 93

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

I wasn't too keen on the magnum of 1990 Único that I tasted. It showed a bit blurry, not 100% clean, with some leather and dusty notes over a minty core. The current documentation mentions 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is unusually high and gives the wine a minty core. The palate showed better than the nose, still with some dusty tannins reflecting the old style with a bit of rusticity. 2,653 magnums produced. Artwork by Rafael Zabaleta. Reviewed by Luis Gutiérrez, Issue date: January 2023. Drinking window: 2000 - 2030.
V 97

Vinous

Vega-Sicilia’s 1990 Unico (magnum) is off the charts. Powerful yet also sensual, the 1990 impresses for its depth and allure. A host of dark red cherry, plum and smoke nuanced finish support the veins of underlying acidity that give the wine its freshness and tension, while the explosive finish leaves everyone speechless. Until the 1982 is poured, that is. Reviewed by Antonio Galloni, Issue date: April 2015. Drinking window: N/A.

1990 Vega Sicilia Unico – Spain’s Iconic Gran Reserva from a Benchmark Vintage

The 1990 Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva stands as a testament to the enduring greatness of Spain’s most storied estate. As the flagship wine of Vega Sicilia, Unico is crafted to age for decades, and this rare release from the 1990 vintage demonstrates extraordinary depth, complexity, and refinement. Sourced from the estate’s oldest vines in Ribera del Duero, this is a benchmark Gran Reserva that continues to captivate collectors worldwide.

Tasting Notes

After more than three decades of development, the 1990 Unico offers a sophisticated bouquet of dried cherry, cedar, cigar leaf, and leather, layered with hints of balsamic, warm spices, and forest floor. The palate is harmonious and velvety, with softened tannins, vibrant acidity, and remarkable length. Secondary and tertiary notes unfold in waves, rewarding extended aeration.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Unico is a field blend dominated by Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) with a smaller portion of Cabernet Sauvignon. It undergoes an exceptionally long élevage: extended fermentation in large oak vats, followed by over a decade of aging in a mix of French and American oak barrels and foudres, then further bottle aging before release. This rigorous process gives Unico its legendary longevity and layered complexity.

Investment & Collectibility

Vega Sicilia’s Unico has no equal in Spanish fine wine investment. The 1990 vintage is one of the greatest releases of the late 20th century, long held back by the estate and released with perfect maturity. Its rarity, pristine provenance, and extended development make it a prized acquisition for serious collectors of rare wines and iconic European reds. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Insights

The 1990 growing season in Ribera del Duero was marked by favorable conditions—ample sun, balanced rainfall, and cool nights. These factors contributed to grapes of exceptional phenolic maturity and balance, allowing Vega Sicilia to craft a wine that has aged gracefully over decades. This vintage continues to be one of the finest Unico releases from the early modern era.


Explore Related Collections

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