2016 Bodegas Muga "Selección Especial" Reserva Rioja

This grows at high altitudes, inhigh-density plantings on ancient terraces above the Ebro river, some of the vines dating to 1946, the youngest planted in 1986. Those alluvial soils and old vines performed remarkably well in 2016, delivering a fresh blend—Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano—with cool, silken tannins and the sort of peppery spice you might find in fresh-pressed olive oil. It’s bright and juicy, layering thyme and rosemary fragrance into the fruit complexity. A glorious young Rioja suited to aging, or to drinking now with spit-roasted suckling pig.

-Muga produces wines that are both traditional and contemporary. They make wines that fall within the classic aging categories and they were one of the first Rioja producers to make wines that fall outside of them. The one thing that they have never done is make wines that do not express Rioja. -Muga’s vineyards are located in the western portion of the Rioja Alta subzone. This is one of the cooler regions of the appellation and it definitely plays into the house style. These sites have calcium rich clay soils with sand and red stones. -They consider this wine to be their flagship Reserva. This wine perfectly showcases the bright and fresh later harvested Tempranillo with a “modern” French oak only framework. This is a classic earthy, spicy wine that the region is famed for. With lots of bright fruits and berries that speak to their corner of Rioja. The restrained use of both new and older French oak barrels and the lack of the savory herbal tones from American oak gives this wine a polish not commonly found in the region. This is a Rioja that can comfortably fit in with the finest Bordeaux or Napa Cabs. It does require a little decanting to open up, give it 30-45 mins to breath. This is also a perfect candidate for cellaring, I had the 2009 not too long ago and it was very youthful with a long life still ahead of it. This is a perfect Rioja for special occasions. It is rich, complex, and accessible, it will elevate everything around it.