Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia was born in 2004 with the vision of producing truly exceptional wine from the region of La Rioja in Spain. Five years were spent studying terroirs and acquiring vineyards and then significant investment made in the construction of the winery which was completed in 2016. Just two wines are made and in the same vein as a Bordeaux First Growth: a grand vin in the Macán and a second wine in the Macán Clásico.
Dear Reader,
From 92 hectares of vines, all planted on the slopes of the Sierra Cantabria mountain range north of the Ebro River, and across the municipalities of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Labastida, Ábalos and Elvillar, the numerous plots are small in size. To this end, fastidious attention to detail is afforded to each component that ultimately makes up both wines which are 100% Tempranillo. The components therefore pertain to soil, climate and vine.
Macán 2016
R1,050 per bottle
Much like a Bordeaux grand vin, the Macán is made from a careful selection of Tempranillo from the very best plots. Once pressed, the juice ferments in French oak vats for 10-15 days, before being racked off into new barrels to mature for between 16-18 months. Once the wine is bottled, it remains at the winery to rest for at least two years before being released to market.
Packaged in original wooden cases of 6
Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia | Macán 2016
“Opaque ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes black raspberry, cherry cola, potpourri and exotic spices, and smoky mineral and vanilla nuances build in the glass. Appealingly sweet, palate-coating red and blue fruit preserve, spicecake, mocha and candied lavender flavors show excellent depth as well as energy and back-end lift. Finishes impressively long, smoky and precise, with polished tannins adding framework and closing grip.”
95 points | Josh Raynolds for Vinous | April 2021
“They think this 2016 is finally the style they were looking for, a wine with density and freshness. 2016 was the first year they vinified and aged from start to finish in the new winery…This could very well be the finest vintage of Macán so far.”
94+ points | Luis Gutiérrez for Wine Advocate | December 2020
Macán Clásico 2017 R650 per bottle
For the second wine, the Macán Clásico, upon release with the flagship Macán it is a vintage ahead so slightly younger. Its freshness and fruit-forward character is meant to showcase a more holistic style of the vineyard locations. The pressed juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, with a part of malolactic fermentation taking place in oak. The oak maturation generally lasts between 12 and 14 months depending on the characteristics of the vintage.
Only 24 bottles available (on request only)
Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild & Vega Sicilia | Macán Clásico 2017
“Dark violet. Expressive cherry and dark berry aromas are accented by oak spice, lavender, cola and tobacco flourishes. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering spice-tinged cassis and cherry compote flavors supported by a core of smoky minerality. Gains sweetness and depth with air and finishes long and smooth, with steadily building tannins and resonating florality.”
93 points | Josh Raynolds for Vinous | April 2021
“In 2017, they reduced the new oak to 50%, and 10% of the volume was aged in American oak barrels crafted by the Vega Sicilia coopers…They lost two-thirds of the crop due to the terrible frost, and the end of the season was warm and dry with an early harvest. They did a softer everything, and the wine has a creamy and gentle quality, ripe without excess, a little in the style of the 2015, with finer tannins, a fine thread and texture and a long, dry and supple finish. This is definitely a warmer year for Macán Clásico but a triumph over the adverse conditions of the year.”
93 points | Luis Gutiérrez for Wine Advocate | December 2020
