Vega Sicilia & Benjamin de Rothschild - Macan Clasico 2015

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The entry-level Macán Clásico 2015, 100% Tempranillo from the 92 ha of vineyards in the villages of Ábalos, Labastida, El Villar and San Vincente de la Sonsierra. It ferments in stainless steel tanks after cold pre-fermentation, followed by partial malolactic fermentation in barrel and aging for 12 to 14 months in new French oak and one-wine barrels. This was the last vintage fermented in the old winery, but it finished its ageing in the new cellar. The new winery seems to be much better equipped, starting with the 2016 vintage, the wines are more precise, with a wide variety of tanks, notably through the introduction of 4,000-liter foudres, and they can also handle the press wines separately. 2015 is a riper, hotter vintage, but they harvested earlier to find the right balance and avoid over-ripening. It's clean, modern and balanced with integrated oak and the usual berry fruit flavors and a touch of spice. The palate is medium-bodied, with grainy tannins and enough elegance to counterbalance the natural power. I think 2015 is a real success, a vintage that surpasses many others.