Muga Seleccion Especial Rioja 2019

Muga Selección Especial Reserva Rioja, Spain, 2019       

Grapes: A blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo and 3% Graciano. Indigenous yeast fermentation in oak vats. Egg white fining. Aged for 26 months using new French oak barrels which were made at the bodega's own cooperage. 

This 2019 Selección Especial has a rich, deep, black cherry colour.

A highly intense nose, in which notes of ripe fruit such as blackberries appear, complemented by spicy aromas of clove and vanilla coming through, giving a lot of complexity.

On the palate it has a marked, well-integrated acidity, well-polished tannins and medium body. Very silky and elegant, with ripe fruit notes reappearing with hints of well-integrated wood. Very long and balanced.

A Reserva whose good acidity and tannin suggest great ageing potential.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"The subtle and harmonious 2019 Selección Especial reflects a very complete and good vintage. It has to be one of the finest vintages for this wine. 2019 is a powerful vintage with balance and freshness. The grapes ripened thoroughly and developed a full set of aromas and flavors. It's complex and nuanced, with abundant, fine-grained tannins and a long, dry and tasty finish. Selección applies to the vineyards but also the barrels and everything that contributes to this wine; it's not only a selection of lots, which was the case before the 1994 vintage. 274,992 bottles produced. It was bottled between April and June 2022 after 26 months in barrel."

95/100 points, Luis Gutiérrez, WINE ADVOCATE, February 2024

This wine will go well with red meats, lamb, all types of game dishes and grilled rockfish.