2020 Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macan Clasico, Castile-La Mancha

The 2020 Macán Clásico was cropped from a more generous crop. The grapes were put in a cold chamber for one night and then underwent a cold soak of three to four days, after which they inoculated the yeasts—in 2020, 25% of it was their native yeast. It fermented in stainless steel, and the élevage was 45% in new French and 5% new American oak barrels, 28% in second use barrel and 22% in stainless steel for one year. The bottled wine has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.78 and 4.5 grams of acidity (tartaric). This is one of the most elegant vintages of this bottling so far. It has showy aromatics with notes of smoky bacon, a bit meaty, and the thing that surprised me the most was the velvety texture. 202,697 bottles, 1,998 magnums and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in August 2022.

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 Monica Larner robertparker.com

Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia Macán Clásico from Castile-La Mancha is a stunning wine that seamlessly blends the heritage of two of the world’s most prestigious wine families: the Rothschilds and the legendary Vega Sicilia. This wine is a true testament to the craftsmanship and vision of both estates, with the Rothschild family bringing their centuries-old expertise in fine wine production, and Vega Sicilia contributing their deep knowledge of Spain’s wine traditions, particularly in Ribera del Duero.

The Macán Clásico is sourced from vineyards in the La Mancha region, a place known for its dry, sun-soaked climate and its unique terroir. The vineyards benefit from a mix of both old and young vines, providing a complex base of Tempranillo grapes, which is the backbone of the wine. Winemakers from both Rothschild and Vega Sicilia focus on achieving a perfect balance of tradition and modern techniques, ensuring that the wine retains the elegance and complexity that both families are known for.

In the glass, Macán Clásico has a deep, intense red color with purple hues, which reflects the wine’s youthful and vibrant nature. On the nose, it’s full of aromatic intensity, with rich dark fruit aromas like blackberry, plum, and black cherry, complemented by hints of spice, tobacco, and a subtle touch of vanilla from the oak aging. The wine's complexity is evident with earthy undertones and a faint whiff of leather, showcasing the richness of its Tempranillo base.

On the palate, Macán Clásico is medium to full-bodied, with velvety tannins that provide a smooth and structured mouthfeel. The fruit flavors are concentrated and lively, with the black fruit notes mingling with a touch of oak spice and a hint of chocolate. The wine’s acidity is balanced and refreshing, providing lift and making it feel well-rounded. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering fruit and subtle spice that leaves a lasting impression.

Macán Clásico is an excellent wine for pairing with a wide variety of dishes, especially rich, flavorful meals. Its bold fruit and smooth tannins make it an ideal match for roasted meats, such as lamb, beef, or venison, as well as grilled steaks or charcuterie. It also pairs wonderfully with Spanish cuisine, like a hearty paella or tapas, and with aged cheeses, making it a versatile and elegant choice for both casual and fine dining occasions.