BENJAMIN DE ROTHSCHILD & VEGA SICILIA Rioja DOCa Macan 2019 MAGNUM

Description

Macán 2019 is a full-bodied and brooding Tempranillo that exemplifies finesse and elegance, crafted by Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia. Awarded 97 points by Wine Enthusiast, it displays a dark garnet colour with enticing aromas of black cherry, aniseed, and vanilla, complemented by spicy notes of clove and eucalyptus. The palate reveals lush tannins with flavours of blackberry, ripe summer cherry, and orange zest, leading to a rich and flavorful finish. The Wine Advocate scores it 94 points, noting the wine's concentrated power and balance, achieved through careful selection of higher-altitude vineyards and reduced barrique use. James Suckling also rates it 94 points, highlighting its fine yet chewy tannins, making this vintage ideal for aging.

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Macán is a modern and very personal take on the signature wines of the Rioja DOCa region. It is a commitment to finesse, elegance, complexity, and intensity. It is also the standard bearer for Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia, the project launched by Tempos Vega Sicilia and Compagnie Vinicole Baron Edmond de Rothschild in 2004.

The 2009 vintage was the first to launch to market. Knowledge, effort, patience, and a desire for constant improvement have helped to develop a project that currently resides on a 100-hectare estate on a high slope at the foot of the imposing Sierra de Cantabria, containing high-quality vineyards and cutting-edge production facilities. Macán is made purely from Tempranillo grapes, which come from a meticulous selection of mature plots found on high terraces with poor, gravelly calcareous clay soils.

The grapes exhibited a rustic quality during the September 2019 tasting, but the 80mmof rain played a crucial role in refining their texture. Careful attention was essential to prevent overripeness, ensuring the fruit was harvested at the optimal “al dente” moment. To temper the wine, the use of barriques was reduced in favour of foudres.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 97 points
This dark garnet colored wine has a nose of black cherry, aniseed and vanilla. It is a touch spicy at firs sip, offering notes of clove and eucalyptus that are followed by flavors of blackberry, ripe summer cherry, milk chocolate and orange zest. Lush tannins coat the palate and dissolve, leaving traces of orange zest and cherry pie behind. — Mike DeSimone

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 points
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
Drink Date: 2025 - 2031
2019 was a more concentrated and powerful year, warmer and drier, but it was saved by the 80 liters of rain in the first half of September. They tried to select the higher-altitude vineyards to have more freshness, and they reduced the number of new barriques used (55%) and increased the use of foudre (45%) for the élevage of the 2019 Macán. It fermented in stainless steel with 10% of their own yeasts. It has a moderate 14% alcohol, mellow acidity and good freshness and balance. 2019 was a dry and warm year when they did a soft vinification to avoid harsh tannins. The wine is very powerful and dense, with a big structure, and it has plenty of tannins. The oak is still noticeable in the aromatics. Give it some more time in bottle and enjoy with powerful food. 87,377 bottles, 2,583 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in August 2021.

There are some changes at the joint venture between Vega Sicilia and Benjamin de Rothschild, like the introduction of Garnacha and Graciano in the blend from the 2020 vintage and the use of 20,000-liter oak foudres from 2021. They like 2020, an elegant year, and a more powerful 2019.

JAMES SUCKLING 94 points
Attractive aromas of cloves with blackberries, blueberries, cedar and hints of chocolate. It’s full- to medium-bodied with fine yet chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Sleek and muscular. Needs three to five years to soften but already impressive. Try after 2026.

VINOUS 92 points
The 2019 Macán from Rioja Alavesa has a mature feel with aromas of cedar, vanilla, dried flowers, field herbs, sour cherry and a light toastiness. The palate is rich and enveloping, with firm tannins and medium freshness, in which the oak provides a structural backbone. A slightly expectorant note features on the finish. This is a full, satisfying red defined by its red fruit profile and the character of a moderate vintage. - Joaquín Hidalgo