Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild Vega Sicilia "Macan Clasico" Rioja 2019

Decanter : 95 Points

(5/4/2023) The Jessie James site is east facing, meaning it's shaded from the afternoon heat and may take a bit longer to ripen, but it's positioned in a rain shadow, and so remains protected into the early autumn. Aromatics of sous bois, pine bough and notes of sweet early-season strawberry lead into a palate of sappy black and red berry fruits, notes of black tea all framed by fine tannin and a wonderful structure. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2034.

Wine Advocate : 93 Points

The second wine in the Bordeaux sense is the 2019 Macán Clásico, a more concentrated and powerful wine cropped from a warmer and drier year that was saved by the 80 liters of rain in the first half of September. It fermented in stainless steel with 10% of their own yeasts, and the élevage was 22% in stainless steel and the rest in new and used oak barrels, mostly French but with around 5% of them American, and lasted 12 months. 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 nose is ripe without excess, and the oak is neatly integrated. The palate is juicy and round, with fine tannins and a velvety texture (9/29/2023) The 2021 Pinot Noir Jessie James Vineyard comes from vines planted in 1996 and was matured for 15 months. Its aromas blossom slowly from broody woodsmoke, tobacco and mushroom to blackberries and dried flowers. The light-bodied palate is crunchy and refreshing with a pleasantly chalky frame, a core of concentrated, earthy fruit and a long, spicy finish. It's youthfully taut and will benefit from a few years in bottle. Drink Date: 2025 - 2035.