2019 Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macan, Castille-La Mancha

2019 was a more concentrated and powerful year that was warmer an d drier; it was saved by the 80 liters of rain in the first half of September, and they tried to select the higher-altitude vineyards to have more freshness. They reduced the amount of new barrique (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 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 produced. It was bottled in August 2021.

I tasted the 2024 releases from this joint venture between Benjamin de Rothschild and Vega Sicilia in Rioja as part of the tasting of the full Tempos Vega Sicilia Group (Vega Sicilia, Pintia, Alión, Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia), and I'm including them here too for context and completeness of the Rioja report.

They introduced Garnacha and Graciano in the blend, starting with the 2020 vintage, and began use of 20,000-liter oak foudres in 2021. 2020 is an elegant vintage, while 2019 is more powerful.

94 points Luis Gutierrez robertparker.com

Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macán from Rioja is a remarkable collaboration between two legendary names in the wine world—Vega Sicilia, Spain’s most prestigious winery, and Benjamin de Rothschild, a key figure in Bordeaux’s wine legacy. This partnership was founded on the shared vision of crafting world-class Tempranillo in Rioja, blending Bordeaux precision with Spanish tradition. Macán represents the purest expression of Rioja’s terroir, sourced from high-altitude, old-vine Tempranillo vineyards in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria.

Deep ruby in color, this Rioja opens with refined aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and cassis, complemented by notes of cedar, tobacco, and subtle vanilla from French oak aging. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet impeccably balanced, with layers of dark fruit, graphite, and sweet spice. The tannins are firm but polished, lending structure and depth, while vibrant acidity provides freshness and elegance. The finish is long and complex, with hints of cocoa, leather, and minerality that linger beautifully.

This wine pairs exceptionally well with grilled lamb, dry-aged beef, and slow-cooked pork dishes. Its refined structure also makes it a great companion for aged Manchego cheese, wild mushroom risotto, and roasted game. While approachable in its youth with some decanting, Macán is built for aging, with the potential to develop even greater complexity over the next 10–15 years.

A true fusion of Spanish heritage and Bordeaux craftsmanship, Macán is a must-try for collectors and lovers of serious, terroir-driven Rioja wines.