TN: 2006 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia Ribera del Duero Único

A beautiful wine with a very long landing strip ahead of it. Drank quite well over the course of a lengthy meal, but definitely one to hold if you only have one or a couple.

Fairly aromatic on pop and pour with rich cassis, smoke, herbs and spice, and a hint of leather. Medium weight on the palate with a broad range of red fruits with a little citrus note, to dark fruits with a plummy flesh to it. Silky, refined, balanced. Weaving through this classic structure and rich fruit is a pattern of asian and indian spices, dry tea leaves and other earthy aromas and tastes. Like walking through a Moroccan bazaar. Oak is deftly handled on this wine, which I believe is a mix of used American and French oak, laying down some subtle, complementary notes but never detracting. Tannins are starting to soften. For my palate, this wine is just entering its drinking window but watch out when it really hits apogee! This is a ripe Unico structured by a classic substrate.

Paired ever so perfectly with braised wagyu beef cheeks - so tender only a fork was necessary - with a sautéed chanterelle mushroom topping.

(94+ pts.)