R. Parker (94/100)
They had to fine-tune the harvest dates of the grapes used for the 2022 Macán Clásico, prioritizing freshness over density, which resulted in their earliest harvest in the region, starting on September 11th, 10 days earlier than in 2021. They were also careful with the aging in oak to achieve good integration of the wood with the wine, a wine that is juicier and rounder, a more hedonistic vintage. It has maybe 1% Garnacha, up to 6% in some lots, picked quite early, or "very green," according to winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga. The wine has contained ripeness and 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.78 and 4.75 grams of acidity. This is the first year when 100% of the yeasts were wild, and they aged the wine in barrels, only 5% American and 30% used, for 10 months, and 25% in stainless steel. The wine shows the warmth and ripeness of the year, especially when compared with the 2021 Macán I tasted next to it, but the results are much better than expected, the nose is harmonious, the palate balanced and the tannins very fine. Overall, it's a triumph over the adverse conditions of the year.
Guía Peñin (93/100)
James Suckling (92/100)
Structured with fresh blackberries and dark spices. Medium- to full-bodied with some chewy tannins that turn a bit tight-grained in the medium-long finish. Hold to let the tannins soften.
Jancis Robinson (17/100)
16,5/20
A blend of 99% Tempranillo and 1% Garnacha (from Ábalos). Tempranillo sourced from vines averaging 30 years of age and planted at 480 m above sea level. The fruit comes from the lower terraces near the River Ebro – parcels in San Vicente, Labastida, Ábalos, Navaridas and Elvillar, where the slightly more fertile, clay-sandy soils produce wines of less density and power, ideally suited for the Clásico expression. The 2022 harvest was the earliest ever for Macán, driven by highly unstable weather. Picking began on 11 September, around 10 days earlier than the previous vintage, in order to capture the fruit at its crispest and avoid any overripening. Fermentation took place entirely in stainless steel, followed by 10 months in gently toasted oak barrels and 18 months of bottle ageing.
Stylistically, the 2022 continues the estate’s recent shift toward greater fruit purity. Fresh black fruit dominates – blackberry, black cherry – accompanied by a delicate violet lift. The tannins are particularly soft at the core of the palate, giving the wine an ease and flow that make it one of Tempos Vega Sicilia’s most immediately drinkable releases. Less ripe in profile than the 2021, and with slightly darker fruit tones, it shows a charming balance of fruit over oak, rounded out by subtle notes of lactic creaminess and pink pepper. A graceful, unpretentious vintage of Macán Clásico.