Muga Especial Seleccion Reserva Rioja Magnum 2019

Muga Selección Especial Reserva, Rioja, Spain, Magnum, 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. 

Producer Tasting Note:

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:

"Fresh and demure nose with lots of cocoa powder, blackcurrants, blackberries and a hint of cigar and charcoal. Excellent depth and class here with a very juicy center palate. Medium to full body with a long and layered finish. Drink or hold."

95/100 points, James Suckling, August 2023

"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

Also awarded 96/100 points, Tim Atkin MW, January 2024

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