1994 to lay down for 20 years ?

Ray,

I see Valbuena and Unico have already been mentioned, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Please note, however, that I think this vintage will be great even given the high expectations of Vega Sicilia generally. Plus, the Unico is just being released and you therefore do not have to worry about how storage conditions in the past 10 years may compromise the wine’s longevity.

30-year wines are not so easy to come by. Indeed, if you want proven 30-year performance you may well be limited to high-acid traditional Riojas or Vega Sicilia. MaJesus mentions Bosconia, which certainly in some vintages can easily last 30 years. If your time horizon were set at 20 years from the vintage I think your options would multiply.

The prodigious 1994 Pesquera Janus may fit your criteria, but it may not be much cheaper than VS. The same goes for Artadi Grandes Anadas.

As a much cheaper alternative, you might want to consider the ’94 Jean León Gran Reserva Cabernet, a very tannic, slow-evolving wine that is just starting to be approachable. Torre Muga Reserva Especial from this vintage can also be found with some difficulty and might also work.

Of course, larger format bottles will also last longer.