Vega Sicilia Macan Clasico, 2020, Rioja, Spain

The Macan Clasico is made entirely from Tempranillo grapes, which were selectively hand-harvested. The wine was aged for approximately 14 months in French oak barriques. It boasts a dense nose with aromas of blackberries, cherries, sloe, smoked meat, cedar, tobacco, cloves, coffee, cocoa, licorice, balsamic notes, vanilla, cinnamon, marzipan, gingerbread, and violets. On the palate, it is both powerful and elegant, with concentrated fruit, superbly integrated oak, minerality, subtle spice, a velvety texture, and a juicy, muscular elegance. It offers a wonderful mouthfeel and a very long finish.