Professional reviews
Robert Parker (94)
A deep opaque plum/garnet color is accompanied by noticeable sweet toasty oak in the nose along with copious quantities of black cherry and cassis fruit. Extremely youthful, vigorous, and full-bodied, with notes of over-ripeness, low acidity, moderately high tannin, and a full-bodied, layered, concentrated personality.
Winespectator (95)
Smooth and rich Spanish red, showing mature notes of coffee, cedar and earth, with a core of plum and prune flavors that builds on the palate, then lingers on the finish. It's firm, yet generous, ripe and balanced.
James Suckling (96)
Attractively earthy and savory on the nose, with wet leaves, sous bois, pine cones, anise, spices, figs and dried cherries. Zesty and chewy on the palate. Developing well, with a flavorful and savory finish. 80% tempranillo and 20% cabernet sauvignon. Tasted from magnum.
Jancis Robinson (18.50)
Magnum. Excellent vintage but more open than the 1989. Bordeaux’s reputation influenced its standing. This was released in 2000 because it developed relatively early. The media appreciated 1990 more than 1989. Fast ripening. Dark ruby. So heady and opulent. You could sink in this so easily. A certain meatiness. Not unlike a lovely old Pomerol. Great combination of opulence and tension.
Vinous (97)
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.
Rene Gabriel (18)
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 18/20 points.
BOW (8.25)
