{"title":"Wednesday 7\/15 Masterclass: Meet Pablo Alvarez · Vega Sicilia Owner","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe complete Vega Sicilia family portfolio poured at Artisan on Wednesday, July 15 with Owner and CEO Pablo Alvarez — Vega Sicilia Unico 2016, Valbuena 5° 2021, Alion 2022 magnum, both Macan wines with Rothschild, Pintia from Toro, and the Oremus dry Tokaji whites.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"oremus-petracs-tokaji-dry-2018-tokaj-hungary","title":"Oremus 'Petracs' Tokaji Dry 2017 (Tokaj, Hungary) - [FS 94] [JS 93] [WS 90]","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Oremus winery, founded in 1993 by the Alvarez family (Vega Sicilia, Alión, Macán and Pintia), is located in Tokaj on the banks of the Bodrog River, in a mountain range in northeastern Hungary, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2002.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe origins of Oremus date back to 1630, when Maté Szepsi Lacko, a Calvinist preacher, produced the first “Tokaj teardrop wine” (Tokaj Aszú) and offered it to Princess Susanna Lorántffy, wife of George Ráckózci, First Prince of Transylvania, to commemorate the Easter holidays. The unique gift was born from grapes grown in the Oremus vineyard, which in 1772 received the first classification of vines and was recognized as primae classis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePetrács is the name of our best vineyard in the village of Tolcsva. The name Petrács comes from the plot's former owner, Baron Ernest von Petrasch, Major General in the Imperial Army of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, to whom this magical enclave was bestowed in 1762.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Oremus was searching for the best plots to produce dry wine, the uniqueness of Petrács stood out. On one hand, there is the andesite bedrock and the soil that contains an abundance of semi-precious stones that give the wine great minerality. On the other hand, our oldest 60-year-old vines are found in this vineyard, grown using the traditional bush vine method with high planting density. Both this method and the steepness of the slope mean only humans and horses can work in the vineyard, preserving hundreds of years of tradition of manual labour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hand-picked bunches are gently pressed, before fermentation in new French and Hungarian oak barrels. The wine is subsequently aged in oak barrels for three months, stirring the lees every week (\"batonnage\"), before being left untouched for a further five months. The wine is racked from the barrels in August before ageing continues in stainless steel tanks for an additional six months until bottling in February.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePetracs Furmint is a full-bodied, spicy wine with perceptions of pure, crystalline mineral flavor. It is deep, long and compresses on the palate in concentrated and mineralised form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - Falstaff:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLight yellow green, silver reflections. Candied grapefruit zest, fine yellow stone fruit nuances, a hint of marzipan and wax, tropical fruit in the background, multilayered bouquet with dark minerality. On the palate taut, finely meshed, fine herbal savouriness, white apple, lively acidity, saline touch. Delicately nutty on the finish with some lime, a fine food companion, gastronomic style, still very young, great ageing potential.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Hints of petrol and honeysuckle to the lime juice, green apples, minerals and macadamia nuts. A medium-to full-bodied furmint with a leesy, nutty edge, carried by really bright, mouthwatering acidity, as if you are biting on a slice of lemon. Fresh and tangy. Drink or hold.\" (Apr 2022)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e90 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\"Round and creamy, this is a light- to medium-bodied white, displaying toasty hints of grilled nut and smoke layered with notes of creamed apple, nectarine and elderflower. Clean-cut and lightly salty on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 375 cases made, 50 cases imported.\"\"\" – Alison Napjus (Sep 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHAMBERS \u0026 CHAMBERS","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":53503083577709,"sku":null,"price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/oremus-petracs-bouteille-vinfiche.png?v=1721078937"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-unico-ribera-del-duero-do-2015-castilla-leon-spain","title":"Vega Sicilia \"Unico\" Ribera del Duero DO 2016 (Castilla Leon, Spain) - [WA 99] [JS 98] [WS 97]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFounded in 1864 in Ribera Del Duero, Vega Sicilia is a widely regarded as one of the greatest wine producer in the world. Celebrated for its fusion of tradition and modernity, the estate embodies the values of excellence, patience and respect for the land where its extraordinary wines come from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdopted by the Álvarez family in 1982, the winery is committed to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. With a focus on the Tempranillo grape, locally known as “tinto fino,” Vega Sicilia’s vineyards span 250 hectares, cultivating vines that are a minimum of 10 years old on schistous bedrock and chalk-based topsoil. The winery takes pride in its patient approach to winemaking, allowing some labels to age over 10 years, and boasts a state-of-the-art facility that adheres to international environmental standards, including advanced recycling and repurposing practices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eNotes from the Winemaker: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eOf the almost 1,000 hectares that make up the Vega Sicilia estate, 210 are allocated to the cultivation of vines, with nineteen different types of soil and fifty-five plots with very specific features. In the extraordinary management of these soils, the influence of the course of the Douro River and the passage of time have been crucial.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eForty of these hectares are used to produce Unico, which is aged for a minimum of ten years between barrel and bottle, one of the longest ageing processes in the world. We use French and American oak in new and used 225-litre barrels and 22,000-litre vats. A long and complex construction of the wines, but at the same time simply marvellous, in which they gain a myriad of nuances, precise texture and wonderful depth over time. Thanks to this incredible terroir and unique ageing process, our wines become eternal when they age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The 2016 Único was perfumed and elegant, showcasing a very good vintage in the region. Winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga started in 2015—a powerful year—and he remembers 2016 as a very balanced year, with higher yields and finer-boned wines. The winter was mild, and there was a cooler than average spring and a warm summer. September was dry, which provided healthy grapes and balanced ripening. The harvest started the 22nd of September and finished the 11th of October. The bottled wine is 96% Tinto Fino and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.82 and 4.8 grams of acidity. It has the old Vega perfume, intoxicating, complex and nuanced, full of personality and a very energetic palate, vibrant and fresh, not lacking power but with lots of elegance. The wine is released 10 years after the harvest, combining time in new and used American and French oak barrels and 20,000-liter oak vats, and it obviously spends plenty of time in bottle. This is a monumental vintage of Único. 2027-2046.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA beautifully poised Vega that is already approachable. Everything is in harmony, showing an almost ethereal quality in contrast to the denser 2015 vintage. There’s a hint of minerality paired with the blackberries and dark cherries. The tannins are firm yet softened. Medium to full body and a finish that lingers for a minute. Drink or hold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA dense and harmonious red, offering a complex and finely meshed range of plumped black cherry and crème de cassis flavors layered with cigar box, licorice root, cocoa powder, leather and mineral accents. The palate’s plush texture is wrapped around a structured core of fine-grained tannins, while the bright tang of orange peel–infused acidity provides fresh focus. Long and graceful, this expands beautifully on the finish. Tinto Fino and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2046. 7,700 cases made, 300 cases imported.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHAMBERS \u0026 CHAMBERS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":52723620053357,"sku":null,"price":649.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/VegaSicilia_Unico_RiberadelDueroDO_e4073e6f-b9c9-43c0-97c1-88c507712c0d.png?v=1653680233"},{"product_id":"vega-sicilia-valbuena-5º-tinto-ribera-del-duero-do-2020-castilla-leon-spain-ws-180","title":"Vega Sicilia \"Valbuena 5º\" Tinto Ribera del Duero DO 2021 (Castilla Leon, Spain) - [JS 98] [WA 96] [WS 94]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eNotes from the Winemaker: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA wine that shows us the splendour of each vintage based on the wisdom of the past and the wealth of the present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA mellow, passionate and living style that year after year, challenge after challenge, harvest after harvest reinterprets its style to keep its essence intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValbuena, is the purest expression of the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) in Vega Sicilia. Tinto Fino is clearly the predominant wine in the assemblage of the varieties that make up this magnificent wine. The other variety used is Merlot, which is added to a greater or lesser extent depending on the vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Valbuena Tempranillo is obtained from plots located on gentle concave slopes that descend from the wasteland. Those soils are made up of material that was eroded and accumulated as colluvial on the lower slopes, developing a high profile soil, with a specific important evolution with the formation of a deep calcic horizon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValbuena provides us with a direct and understandable view of the greatness of this \"terroir\" with the direct influence of each vintage. Its production remains unchanged meaning that it is each year's weather factors that mark the differences between the different harvests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation at a controlled temperature with native yeast in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation also takes place in stainless steel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter fermentation, it is aged for five years, between wood and in the bottle, which is why it is called Valbuena 5º. French and American wood, new and used 225-litre barrels, 20,000 litre vats, a long and complex process for a great wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the finest Valbuenas available, showcasing great depth, structure and detail while remaining polished. It exhibits notes of blackberries, cocoa powder, graphite, and high-quality sandalwood, with hints of lard and violets. The standout feature this year is the quantity and quality of the tannins—huge, yet incredibly refined and polished. There are plenty of fine grits that aren’t fully integrated but should harmonize in two to three years. Exceptionally long finish. Will hold effortlessly for the next 20 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\"The 2021 Valbuena comes from a year with pristine grapes, good ripeness and balance, for them one of their finest years when they didn't have to rush and everything happened in a smooth way. The year was marked by the snowstorm Filomena in January, which provided good water reserves, and the rest of the winter had temperatures reaching -15 degrees Celsius! This was a blend of 96% Tinto Fino (a.k.a. Tempranillo) and 4% Merlot aged in barrels and 8,500- and 21,000-liter oak vats during the first year and later only in oak vats. This is the youngest expression of the \"Vega\" nose, subtler and elegant, more insinuating, less developed and keeping some primary notes, not as tertiary as the Únicos. It comes in at 14% alcohol, with a pH of 3.85 and 4.65 grams of acidity, and it has a medium- to full-bodied palate, with elegant tannins and very good balance. This is one of the finest recent vintages for Valbuena, and in a way, it reminded me of the 2010, with elegance and precision. 2027-2039.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA rich red in a supple frame, with generous flavors of plumped black cherry, sweet tobacco, herbed black olive, cocoa powder and licorice root animated by well-knit, plum skin acidity. Trimmed nicely by fine-grained, sculpted tannins, this expressive red drinks well today but will shine with cellaring. Tinto Fino and Merlot. Drink now through 2040. 14,740 cases made, 730 cases imported.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHAMBERS \u0026 CHAMBERS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":52729164693869,"sku":null,"price":259.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/VegaSicilia_Valbuena5Ano_TintoRiberadelDuero.png?v=1624746537"},{"product_id":"bodegas-benjamin-de-rothschild-vega-sicilia-macan-rioja-doca-2021-rioja-spain-xx","title":"Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild \u0026 Vega Sicilia \"Macan\" Rioja DOCa 2021 (Rioja, Spain) - [JS 96] [WA 95]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eNotes from the Winemaker: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComposed exclusively of tempranillo grapes harvested from 40 year-old vines, Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild \u0026amp; Vega Sicilia Macan has been very limited in production since its first vintage in 2009. A great Spanish wine crafted in the French style, this Macan leverages the full potential of the Rioja terrain for an elegant, distinguished wine that is powerful and persistent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAppellation: Rioja (Haute Rioja)\u003cbr\u003eGrapes Varieties: Tempranillo\u003cbr\u003ePlantation Density: 3,328 vines\/hectare (2.40 m x 1.25 m)\u003cbr\u003eVineyard Age: 45 years\u003cbr\u003eBreeding Period: 14 months\u003cbr\u003eVineyard Area: 75 hectares\u003cbr\u003eSoil Type: 90% argilo-calcareous, 10% argilo-ferrous\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 18px;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points – James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A depth of fresh dark berries and black plums is adorned with complex graphite, balsam, fine spices and cocoa powder with hints of bay leaves and minerals. Tannins are tense, nervy and chalky. Long and tightly wound but well-dissolved. One of the best examples of Macan. An exciting vintage. Drink from 2026 and beyond.\" (Jul 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e95 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Macán is from a year that had above-average rainfall and some hail in June that lowered yields but good weather during harvest. It has 1% Graciano. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol, with a pH of 3.8 and five grams of acidity. This year, they used 100% indigenous yeasts, and the élevage was in new barrels (50%) and 4,000-liter oak foudres and lasted 12 months, followed by another six months in 20,000-liter oak vats. This is serious, harmonious and subtle, more elegant than any vintage before, reflecting the freshness from the year. It's nicely built, very proportioned, with balance, freshness and abundant but fine-grained tannins. It's one of the finest if not the finest vintages to date. A total of 112,755 bottles, 3,354 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in August 2023.\" – Luis Gutierrez (Jan 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHAMBERS \u0026 CHAMBERS","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":53502395711853,"sku":null,"price":124.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/BodegasBenjamindeRothschild_VegaSicilia_Macan_RiojaDOCa2014_adc16c34-d4c4-46cb-a9bd-ea1171158060.png?v=1653676070"},{"product_id":"oremus-mandolas-tokaji-dry-furmint-2020-tokaj-hungary-dm-97-we-93-js-92-copy","title":"Oremus Mandolas Tokaji Dry Furmint 2023 (Tokaj, Hungary) - [JS 92]","description":"\u003cp\u003eMandolás goes against the grain: the estate has been making this dry white wine since 2000 at the Oremus estate in Hungary’s Tokaj, a historic region renowned for its sweet wines. Furmint, an indigenous variety famous for its naturally sweet wines, offers a new interpretation in Mandolás: a dry wine with ageing potential. Ancestral tradition in perfect harmony with cutting edge winemaking techniques. The finest Furmint clones from the Petrács plot, the estate’s oldest vineyard, which is over 50 years old, are planted in the Mandolás vineyards on the best soils and sites. When the grapes reach perfect ripeness and balance, the bunches are hand-picked and selected on the vines. Following a gentle pressing, alcoholic fermentation takes place in 85% stainless steel tanks and 15% in new Hungarian oak barrels. During the ageing period, 70% of the wine rests in Hungarian oak barrels for the first three months, with weekly lees stirring or battonage, followed by three months of peaceful maturation. The remaining 30% of the wine is aged in stainless steel. The 2023 vintage was marked by an interplay of warm and cool weather. Mandolás Furmint is a young, fruit-driven wine with fresh aromas but it also has body and a vibrant, lively acidity. Thanks to the meticulous pruning of our vineyards, this fascinating tension between body and acidity is beautifully captured in Mandolás.Mandolás is a wine made from the Furmint grape variety, evolving since its first vintage in 2000. It's a product of modern winemaking harmoniously coexisting with ancestral tradition. Specific vineyard plots are selected, and the grape ripening is closely monitored to ensure the selection of healthy, golden, ripe bunches. The wine undergoes 30% fermentation in new Hungarian oak barrels and 70% in stainless steel tanks, with 70% of the wine aged in oak barrels for 3 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMandolás Furmint is a young, fruity wine with a fresh nose and aroma, but with body and a lively tone of acidity. It's suitable for drinking now, but can be aged for up to 15 years if stored under ideal conditions. The recommended drinking temperature is 18 ºC\/ 64 ºF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e13% alcohol\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch4 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e16.5+ Points - Jancis Robinson:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eVega Sicilia’s project in Tokaj. From the Mandolás vineyard. Aged for six months in smaller Hungarian barrels, mostly old. Lees-stirring for the first six months of ageing.\u003cbr\u003ePlenty of lime citrus and apple purity to the aromas. A touch herbal and floral, too. Focused and concentrated. The palate has a little breadth and some oak-derived texture. Yet, this is still quite tucked up and taut, with a mouth-watering green-apple acidity bolting through palate. Will relax in the coming years and unfurl very nicely. Oliver Coleman\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e92 Points - James Suckling: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A gastronomic furmint with subtle limes and green apples on the nose. Pure and minerally, with bright acidity and a taut, medium-bodied palate. Limpid, transparent finish. Drinkable now, but can hold.\" (Jul 2025)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHAMBERS \u0026 CHAMBERS","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":53502798365037,"sku":null,"price":49.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/oremus-mandolas-bouteille-vinfiche.png?v=1723061594"},{"product_id":"bodegas-benjamin-de-rothschild-vega-sicilia-macan-clasico-rioja-doca-2018-rioja-spain-we-97-wa-94-js-94-dm-92-copy","title":"Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild \u0026 Vega Sicilia \"Macan Clasico\" Rioja DOCa 2022 (Rioja, Spain) - [WA 94] [WS 93] [JS 92]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComposed exclusively of tempranillo grapes harvested from 40 year-old vines, Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild \u0026amp; Vega Sicilia Macan has been very limited in production since its first vintage in 2009. A great Spanish wine crafted in the French style, this Macan leverages the full potential of the Rioja terrain for an elegant, distinguished wine that is powerful and persistent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine is ready to drink now but can be cellared for over 15 years if stored in optimal conditions of temperature (12ºC–14ºC \/ 54ºF–57ºF) and relative humidity (60%).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest served at 18ºC \/ 64ºF. PER 100 ML 349 KJ \/ 83 KCAL\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eALCOHOL BY VOLUME - 14%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGRAPE VARIETY - 99% Tempranillo and 1% Garnacha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAGEING - 10 months in barrels and 18 months in bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAVERAGE AGE OF THE VINEYARD - 30 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVINEYARD SURFACE - 100ha in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Labastida, Ábalos and Navaridas. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHARVEST - Manual, in 12kg boxes, from 11 to 23 September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePRODUCTION - 236,067 Bottles 75cl, 2,110 Magnum, 59 Double Magnum and 20 Imperial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBOTTLING DATE - June 2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"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. A total of 236,067 bottles, 2,110 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in June 2024.\" LG (Jan 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A poised, well-tailored red, this is subtle at first, leading with a pure beam of ripe boysenberry and cherry fruit accented by sweet tobacco and blood orange peel aromatics. Mouthwatering acidity and supple, sculpted tannins support the profile as this expands on the palate, revealing layers of milled white pepper, violet, anise and mineral notes that linger on the finish. Best from 2028 through 2040. 500 cases imported.\" - Alison Napjus (Jun 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e92 Points - James Suckling:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"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. Drink from 2027.\" - (Oct 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHAMBERS \u0026 CHAMBERS","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":53502871732589,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/BodegasBenjamindeRothschild_VegaSicilia_MacanClasico_6c300790-23e7-4005-8d8a-c91cd56392bc.png?v=1653677888"},{"product_id":"bodegas-alion-vega-sicilia-tinto-ribera-del-duero-2021-castilla-leon-spain-wa-96-jd-96-dm-95-js-95-vm-94-ws-94-copy","title":"Vega Sicilia Alion Tinto Ribera del Duero 2022 - 1.5L Magnum - (Castilla Leon, Spain) - [WS 95] [WA 95]","description":"\u003ch4\u003eWINEMAKER’S DESCRIPTION:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlión embodies the diversity of Ribera del Duero. This wine represents a mosaic of personalities, with vineyards from the eastern border of the appellation (Soria) to the western end (the Vega Sicilia estate in Valbuena de Duero). The 2022 vintage was a real challenge, shaped by unpredictable weather. Areas that were traditionally harvested last ended up being picked first—and vice versa. We had to be more present than ever in the vineyard, waiting for that perfect al dente moment to pick the fruit. Our obsession was to capture freshness in the grapes and extract gently during fermentation. Throughout the ageing process, we took a cautious approach with oak, relying on larger formats such as foudres and incorporating different materials like concrete to help tame a vintage marked by power and sunshine. It was a challenging year, requiring constant attention and hard work —efforts that shine through in a 2022 Alión with a juicier, more succulent expression\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eALCOHOL BY VOLUME - 14.5%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGRAPE VARIETY - 100% Tinto Fino.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAGEING - 12 months in barrels, concrete and foudres, and 18 months of ageing in bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAVERAGE AGE OF THE VINEYARD - 40 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings and Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is alluring, with a core of warmed black cherry and plum sauce flavors laced with fragrant accents of cinnamon, violet, licorice, dried mint and bay leaf. There’s a suave feel to this red, which effortlessly enmeshes a firm core of fine-grained tannins with a plush texture and fresh focus. Expands beautifully on the palate, revealing additional details of espresso, smoked paprika and mineral that linger on the finish. Drink now through 2040.\" - AN  (June 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The Alión vintage released in 2026 is the 2022 Alión, a year they consider a challenge, a warm and dry year when ripeness didn't follow the usual pattern: late vineyards ripened earlier and early vineyards took longer this year. Their obsession was to keep the freshness in the wine, and they did a softer vinification and a more careful use of oak, using larger volumes and other materials like concrete to tame a powerful and solar vintage. The nose is serious and even has some austerity. The wine is obviously juicier and rounder, with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.89 and 4.58 grams of acidity, but has very good overall balance. The tannins are round, polished and slightly dustier than other vintages, the wine has a tender mouthfeel. A total of 270,870 bottles, 7,040 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in May 2024.\" - LG (Jan 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA structured and chewy wine from this challenging hot, dry year. On the nose it is profound and floral at the same time, with graphite, blackberries and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and tightly wound. Give it two or three more years. Drink from 2027.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHAMBERS \u0026 CHAMBERS","offers":[{"title":"1.5 L","offer_id":53502961484141,"sku":null,"price":349.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/e4abff5b3e5a6876ecbaab6f8558b65f.jpg?v=1782951962"},{"product_id":"pintia-vega-sicilia-toro-do-2020-castilla-leon-spain-js-95-vm-94-dm-94-wa-94-ws-93-copy","title":"Vega Sicilia Pintia Toro DO 2021 (Castilla Leon, Spain) - [WA 95+] [JS 95]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003eDescription: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003ePintia, located on the banks of the Douro River within the Toro D.O. region, is renowned for its unique terroir characterized by extreme weather and pebbly soils. The winery meticulously selects the optimal harvest time to preserve the wine’s freshness and acidity. Pintia’s wines are celebrated for their balance, embodying a vertical structure and fruit-forward profile, with a silky texture that promises intrigue and longevity. The careful vinification process, including precise extraction and thoughtful barrel aging, contributes to a wine that is enjoyable in its youth yet has the potential to age gracefully for up to 15 years under ideal conditions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan dir=\"auto\"\u003ePintia combines the tradition and character of the Toro region with the modernity and elegance characteristic of the winery. Under a climate of low rainfall and strong temperature variations, the Tinta de Toro vineyards take root in poor, stony, and sandy soils. Given the potential of this terroir, choosing the ideal harvest time allows for achieving balance and finesse in the wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGROWING SEASON\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e An exceptional year in Pintia, thanks to well-distributed rainfall throughout the growing season and the welcome absence of adverse weather. A mild, rainy winter gave way to a balmy spring, which allowed for frost-free budbreak. Flowering was even, with no issues related to fruit set or coulure. Gentle temperatures through spring and summer, combined with abundant and well-timed rainfall, helped the vines to build up strong water reserves, enabling them to retain their freshness right through to the end of ripening.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eALCOHOL BY VOLUME - 15%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGRAPE VARIETY - 100% Tinta de Toro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAGEING - 11 months in barrels and amphorae and 30 months in bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e AVERAGE AGE OF THE VINEYARD - 35 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95+ Points – Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“The current release is the 2021 Pintia, for them an exceptional vintage in Toro, one of their finest to date. It was cropped from a cooler year when the wine has more freshness despite the 15% alcohol, with a pH of 3.83 and 4.7 grams of acidity. It fermented in stainless steel and oak vats and matured partly in stainless steel (15%), barrels and foudres with 75% new oak, for 11 months. Three episodes of rain in September really made the vintage, something unusual in the zone, putting the icing on the cake of a cooler year. The wine is always more powerful than the wines from Ribera or Rioja, with more oomph, density and abundant tannins but with very good balance and freshness. It's a Pintia for the long haul, like a 2018 with more weight.\" -\u003cspan\u003e LG (\u003c\/span\u003eJan 2026)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points – James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Excellent and refined, showing deep, fresh blackberries with tar, dark minerals, cocoa powder and roasted spices. Full-bodied with tight but fine-grained tannins. Lasting well in the finish. Drink from 2027.\" (Oct 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CHAMBERS \u0026 CHAMBERS","offers":[{"title":"750 ml","offer_id":53503058870637,"sku":null,"price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/VGS400b.jpg?v=1764964382"}],"url":"https:\/\/artisan.wine\/collections\/wednesday-7-15-masterclass-meet-pablo-alvarez-vega-sicilia-owner.oembed","provider":"Artisan W\u0026S","version":"1.0","type":"link"}