Macán Clásico 2014

The 2014 Macán Clásico, pure Tempranillo from their 92 hectares of vineyards in Ábalos, Labastida, El Villar and San Vicente de la Sonsierra, fermented after a cold soak, followed by malolactic partly in barriques and an élevage of 12 to 14 months in new and second use French oak barrels. It's still quite young and undeveloped, with good consistency, juicy, integrated and balanced. The Macán wines seem to be coming of age. It was bottled in May 2016. 68,468 bottles, 1,042 magnums and some larger formats were produced.

The Macán project had an awkward start, but the evolutionary tactics of Vega Sicilia are producing results, especially in recognising the differences from Ribera del Duero and discovering the appropriate extraction, oak and barrel toast for Tempranillo in Rioja. Fine aromatics of thyme and rosemary with violets lead into a rich and fleshy palate with a rasp of tannin and a line of vivid acidity. It has a long finish with smoky notes. A much improved, enjoyable Rioja.