Wine Spectator · #9 Wine of 2026

95 Points

This is alluring, with a core of warmed black cherry and plum sauce flavors laced with fragrant accents of cinnamon, violet, licorice, dried mint and bay leaf. There’s a suave feel to this red, which effortlessly enmeshes a firm core of fine-grained tannins with a plush texture and fresh focus. Expands beautifully on the palate, revealing additional details of espresso, smoked paprika and mineral that linger on the finish. Drink now through 2040. — Alison Napjus

Jeb Dunnuck

95 Points

Full-bodied, it’s textured in grainy tannins with ripe red and black fruit, long and strong on the palate, with grip and corresponding lift, a balanced, sophisticated, and powerful wine. Drink now through 2036. — Virginie Boone, August 2026

Wine Enthusiast

96 Points

Aromas of black cherry, rose petal and anisette prep the taste buds for black cherry, cassis, cocoa bean, clove and lavender flavors. Plush tannins take hold of the palate and drift into a candied orange finish.

Jeb Dunnuck

100 Points

Aged five years in oak and another five in bottle, the 2016 Unico is made from a blend of estate parcels… an explosive, full-bodied exploration of dense red fruit, tension, and intensity that’s juicy, tense, and energetic. There’s a tremendous amount of elegance and power vying for equal attention. These wines live up to every inch of hype and acclaim. It’s drinking beautifully already and should sing easily another 40-50 years. — Virginie Boone, August 2026

James Suckling

98 Points

One of the finest Valbuenas available, showcasing great depth, structure and detail while remaining polished. It exhibits notes of blackberries, cocoa powder, graphite, and high-quality sandalwood, with hints of lard and violets. The standout feature this year is the quantity and quality of the tannins… huge, yet incredibly refined and polished… Exceptionally long finish. Will hold effortlessly for the next 20 years. — September 2025

James Suckling

96 Points

A depth of fresh dark berries and black plums is adorned with complex graphite, balsam, fine spices and cocoa powder with hints of bay leaves and minerals. Tannins are tense, nervy and chalky. Long and tightly wound but well-dissolved. One of the best examples of Macan. An exciting vintage. — July 2025

Wine Enthusiast · Cellar Selection

97 Points

This dark-garnet-colored wine has a nose of black currant, raspberry and milk chocolate. Deep fruit flavors of cassis and dark plums fill the mouth, joined by notes of cocoa powder, tobacco leaf and espresso bean. Fleecy tannins dissipate into a lingering, fruit-filled finish. Drink now through 2037. — Mike DeSimone, March 2023