Muga Rioja Reserva

Bodegas Muga Reserva
Rioja DOCa
Spain
2005

Vinous Review: 92 points
Bright ruby. Vibrant, seductive perfume of black raspberry, powdered rose, anise and minerals. Weighty but lively cherry and dark berry flavors are brightened by zesty minerals, picking up a candied licorice quality with aeration. The finish repeats the deep dark berry note and leaves exotic flowers and minerals behind. Very elegant wine that suavely blends richness and finesse.
-- Josh Raynolds

Wine Enthusiast Review: 90 points
Full-bodied and pushing up against raisiny and baked, but it draws back at the final moment and competently settles into its richness and ripeness. Generous and dark in the mouth, with meaty tannins and flavors of black raspberry, plum and mocha. On the finish, there’s a hint of fresh tomato to go with vanilla and leftover berries. Drink now through 2013.

Wine Spectator: 90 points
This red is focused and graceful, with black cherry and tart plum flavors framed by leafy, smoky and minerally notes. Shows a good balance of light tannins and lively acidity. Drink now through 2015. 4,000 cases imported.
–TM