1989 Unico Gran Reserva

What an inviting nose of roasted coffee, cardamom, balsamic, blackberries, figs and spice box. It’s full-bodied with ripe, powerful tannins. Compact, with excellent intensity. Lots of power here and it’s still youthful. 80% tempranillo and 20% cabernet sauvignon. Tasted from magnum. Drink or hold.

80% Tinto Fino, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon (very high proportion of Cabernet). Higher than average rainfall during the growing season but dry conditions at (early) harvest (30 September). Post fermentation 2 years in large-capacity wooden vats, then further aged for 16 months in new casks, 3 years in second-use casks and 3 in used casks, then 3 years in a large-capacity wooden vat. 105,860 bottles, 2,632 magnums, 150 double magnums. From magnum. Slightly dull transparent crimson. Fully evolved and well-melded nose with just a little suggestion of overripeness on the end. Just right to drink now though the fruit is very slightly starting to fade on the finish.

The 1989 Unico, a blend of 80% Tinto Fino and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon picked early from 30th September, has a gorgeous, minty bouquet with blackberry, a touch of blueberry, crushed violets and a little strawberry jam. It blossoms with aeration in the glass. The palate is smooth and rounded on the entry: caressing and voluminous in the mouth. The fruit is very pure with notes of strawberry, Tiptree raspberry jam, marmalade and quince. It has great weight towards the finish with orange cordial and a hint of mango. However, it does not have the tension or focus of the 1994 or the 1996. 105,860 bottles produced.