Macan Rioja DOCa, Spain 2019

Macan Rioja DOCa, Spain 2019
This dark garnet colored wine has a nose of black cherry, aniseed and vanilla. It is a touch spicy at firs sip, offering notes of clove and eucalyptus that are followed by flavors of blackberry, ripe summer cherry, milk chocolate and orange zest. Lush tannins coat the palate and dissolve, leaving traces of orange zest and cherry pie behind.
97 Wine Enthusiast
2019 was a more concentrated and powerful year that was warmer and drier; it was saved by the 80 liters of rain in the first half of September, and they tried to select the higher-altitude vineyards to have more freshness. They reduced the amount of new barrique (55%) and increased the use of foudre (45%) for the élevage of the 2019 Macán. It fermented in stainless steel with 10% of their own yeasts. 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 wine is very powerful and dense, with a big structure and plenty of tannins. The oak is still noticeable in the aromatics.
94 pts Wine Advocate