Items not labeled as Rapid Ship or Pre-arrival may require a transfer from the warehouse to our shipping facility before shipping, which can take 4–6 business days. Learn more on the Shipping Info page.
In-store Only Items
These items are available at our location to purchase in-store, or to choose in-store pickup at checkout.
Long-term Pre-arrival Items
Long Term Pre-arrival Definition: Ordering wine directly through us from our supplier partners in Europe in advance of the item’s physical arrival in the US.
Long Term Pre-arrival sales ensure you’re getting the best possible price and that you have also secured the product before it hits the normal retail supply chain. The lead time for Pre-arrival goods is generally 4–8 months, sometimes longer based on supply chain and the logistics of transporting goods overseas. The expectation, from our team, is to communicate to the customer the location of their purchase every step of the way.
This product is offered as a full case purchase option, minimum order quantities may be applicable. When available, multiple case options will be presented. If you are purchasing a Pre-Arrival item you must order a solid case.
Rapid Ship
Items listed as "rapid ship" are in stock and available for immediate pickup or shipment. Those that do not have the "rapid ship" icon are housed with our supplier and must be transferred to our warehouse before they can be picked up or shipped. This requires 4-6 business days but usually occurs sooner. Some products will list both options of availability as there will be a certain number in stock, with the option to order additional bottles to be transferred from the supplier.
We offer FREE ground shipping and discounted upgraded shipping on orders with multiples of 12 qualifying bottles. Solid cases or mix-and-match, look for the yellow 12 FREE badge and save!
Vega Sicilia Ribera del Duero Unico Reserva Especial 2018 750ml
Case of 3
OUT OF STOCKPre-arrival
Sample image only.Please see Item description for product Information. When ordering, the item shipped will match the product listing if there are any discrepancies. Do not order solely on the label if you feel it does not match product description.
SKU 941525
$1,357.80/case
$452.60/bottle
Tariffs included
Out of stock
Want to be notified when this product is back in stock?
This wine was re-tasted prior to this report with similar descriptors to my previous tasting for a report I published earlier this year and the score was the same. A non-vintage blend of three different years and released in 2018, the NV Único Reserva Especial 2018 Release is composed of a blend of 58 barrels from the vintages 2005, 2006 and 2007, younger vintages than the Reserva Especial bottlings from yesteryear. It feels young and not that far away from the current vintage of Único, 2006, which is released at the same time as this. It’s mostly Tempranillo with some Cabernet Sauvignon, where the aim is to keep a constant character across the different releases. It has a classical profile, with polished tannins and nice subtlety. Comparing it with the 2006 Único, it doesn’t seem to have the same elegance, depth and complexity. 17,200 bottles and 216 magnums were filled in June 2014.
There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.
Country
Spain
Ever since the Phoenicians and Romans brought their knowledge of vine cultivation to Spanish soils, the country's culture has grown alongside wine production, with wine being a vital part of Spanish identity and Spanish traditions. Each region of Spain has a wine quite distinct from the others, and it is produced by smallholders and families as much as it is by large companies and established wineries. From the relatively mild and lush regions of La Rioja to the arid plateaus that surround Madrid, grapes are grown in abundance for the now booming Spanish wine industry, and new laws and regulations have recently been put in place to keep the country's standards high. By combining traditional practices with modern technology, Spanish wineries are continuing to produce distinctive wines of great character, flavor and aroma, with the focus shifting in recent decades to quality over quantity.
Region
Castilla Y Leon
The ancient, arid and beautiful region of Castilla y Leon is the largest in Spain, and amongst the largest single 'regions' in any country of Europe. It has been famed throughout the centuries for its architecture, its people, its art and literature, and not least for its characterful and flavorful wines, which capture the beating heart and passion of Spain and Spanish culture. Castilla y Leon is essentially a vast plateau, and is extremely dry, with a poor soil structure which one might think would make viticulture difficult, if not impossible. However, Castilla y Leon has plenty of native grape varietals which are able to stretch their roots deep underground, to tap into the moisture and minerals which can be found there.
Appellation
Ribera Del Duero
WA95pts
Wine Advocate
This wine was re-tasted prior to this report with similar descriptors to my previous tasting for a report I published earlier this year and the score was the same. A non-vintage blend of three different years and released in 2018, the NV Único Reserva Especial 2018 Release is composed of a blend of 58 barrels from the vintages 2005, 2006 and 2007, younger vintages than the Reserva Especial bottlings from yesteryear. It feels young and not that far away from the current vintage of Único, 2006, which is released at the same time as this. It's mostly Tempranillo with some Cabernet Sauvignon, where the aim is to keep a constant character across the different releases. It has a classical profile, with polished tannins and nice subtlety. Comparing it with the 2006 Único, it doesn't seem to have the same elegance, depth and complexity. 17,200 bottles and 216 magnums were filled in June 2014.
