This joint venture produces two wines: Macán is the first selection from 228 acres of vines in Rioja Alavesa; this wine, Macán Clásico, is their more accessible blend. One taster described its power and rich, sultry blackberry flavors as “a guilty pleasure;” its luscious, heady style delivers a lot of satisfaction. There’s a velvet nap to the texture, the chewy tannins of ripe cherry skins combining with the pencil-lead savor of finely integrated oak. The flavors are long and rich, in the mode of a cult wine, at a more reasonable price.

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. (Drink between 2018-2022)

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. - LG

Rooty aromas of foresty berry fruits are not that bright or lively, maybe a reflection of 2014's rainy conditions? However, this remains deep and flush on the palate. Oaky berry flavors are a touch soft and mushy, again reflective of the year. Wood spice and bacon flavors on the finish are welcome; drink through 2025. MICHAEL SCHACHNER