Reserva Rioja Tempranillo

First time in a while with the Muga Reserva, one of the region’s most ubiquitous wines – and often one of its great bargains, too. Of the various vintages that I’ve had, I can’t say I notice a consistent style, but the quality is there more often than not. The 2019 is a polished, suave affair but a little over-extracted for my taste. Though there is some savoury quality on the palate, I wouldn’t say the wine is very demonstrative of this region’s appeal. That said, it is very harmonious throughout, and the wines of Muga age well, so I look forward to seeing how this fares in another five years.

Founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga Martínez, now run by Manuel, Isabel & Isaac Muga Caño. Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice, unmistakable Muga. 4 grape blend from the Haro district (70% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), palate shows cherry and currant flavors with espresso, vanilla & toasty oak tones. Soft full tannins, lively acidity on a medium+ finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Nice value! Great vintage!

My second time trying the 2014 Reserva from Muga, this time again a superb example that even in an under-par vintage shows what a reliable wine this is. Chocolate is the aroma that leads from the glass, followed by blackberry, cassis, vanilla, kumquat and fresh tobacco. The palate has great concentration to the fruit, whilst being plush with gentle tannins and bitter orange acidity.

Cedar, cherry, spice. Mature Rioja at its best. Develops on the palate and has great length. Glad I kept it for so long.

Muga Muga Muga. Always good. ‘16 seems a bit more international than past vintages. I had one in Madrid a few years ago that was 15ish years old and spectacular. This only had a slight hint of that pedigree... but enough to bring back the memory.

A little muted on the nose and weak on the palate, this isn’t the best iteration of this workhorse Reserva from Muga, of which there are some one million bottles. The oak is fairly poorly integrated at the moment. It does have a pleasing core of red fruit with some spice and good balance, but ultimately it fails to impress.

Spanish wines have got to be the best in terms of bang for your buck.

Very easy drinking, smooth, a lot going on with this...

#WoodyWoodpecker

Founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga Martínez, now run by Manuel, Isabel & Isaac Muga Caño. Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice, unmistakable Muga. 4 grape blend from the Haro district (70% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), palate shows cherry and currant flavors with espresso, vanilla & toasty oak tones. Soft full tannins, lively acidity on a medium+ finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Nice value! Great vintage! Went great with a gourmet pizza!

Founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga Martínez, now run by children Manuel, Isabel & Isaac Muga Caño. Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice, unmistakable Muga. 4 grape blend from the Haro district (70% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), palate shows cherry and currant flavors with espresso, vanilla & toasty oak tones. Soft full tannins, lively acidity on a medium+ finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Nice value! Great vintage!

Outstanding freshness in this vintage. Nice bit of meaty earth too with plenty of red fruit and berries plus a soft dose of new wood. Great right out the bottle, after 24 hours, and even after 48. Impressive.