2010 Bodegas Muga, Rioja DO, Reserva Selección Especial, Spain.
I love the 2010 Muga(s) especially this Seleccion Especial Rioja Reserva, they are dynamic, fresh and vital reds with loads of personality and charm, I think at this price point, these are a great alternative to Bordeaux or new world Cab. The Muga is a polished, poised and full bodied effort with superb focus and balance, even though it does still show off it’s sweet wood notes, though in time it should get massively better, this looks set to have an extremely long drinking window, it should be a savvy cellar choice, there is a lot of quality here for the money and it certainly is a wonderfully attractive Rioja, maybe close to Remelluri in that sense, both offer fantastic value. The 2010 Muga Reserva Seleccion Especial starts with a deep color in the glass and a dark fruit and toasty wood note on the nose with a bouquet of dried flowers, vanilla, cassis and creamy kirsch leading to a sweet tannin filled palate of blackberry, plum and cherry fruits with pipe tobacco, graphite, mineral tones, a hint of loamy earth, cedar and walnut, bitter coco and anise. Everything folds together nicely and there is a nice lift of acidity, and with air the texture fills the mouth in smooth fashion, this has some youth and vigor making it very good with food at this stage, though over time it will get even richer, denser and more complex. Mostly Tempranillo here, and it tastes of it, very pure and lengthy, this is true Rioja and a great Muga, drink over the next 10 to 15 years.
($42 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
