Muga Rioja Reserva

Romazini: 4/5 Stars

The Winespectator: 89/100 Points

Vintage 2006: This appealing red is firm and fresh, showing ripe plum and black cherry notes, along with tobacco, chocolate and orange peel. Balanced and juicy. Drink now through 2012. 4,000 cases imported.

Robert Parker: 91/100 Points

Vintage 2006: Muga's red wines begin with the 2006 Muga Reserva, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, with the balance Mazuelo and Graciano. It was aged for 6 months in wooden vats before spending 2 years in 60% new French and American oak. Purple-colored with an already complex bouquet of pain grille, mineral, violets, black cherry, and blackberry, on the palate it is smooth-textured, layered, and concentrated. It conceals enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years and will offer optimal drinking from 2012 to 2026. It is an excellent value in serious Rioja.

Stephen Tanzer: 91/100 Points

Vintage 2006: Glass-staining ruby. Exotic, oak-spiced red berry and cherry aromas, with hints of mocha and rose. Round and seamless in texture, offering sweet raspberry and cassis flavors with a touch of bitter chocolate. Supple tannins sneak in on the finish, which features notes of ripe dark fruit and baking spices.

The Wine Enthusiast: 91/100 Points

A complete modern Rioja with cola, cassis and smoky aromas. Excellent mouthfeel and toasty black fruit and licorice flavors work well together, and the finish is refined, warm and peppery. Not an overly lush wine but it is generous and loaded with a bit of everything good: body, tannin, acidity, flavor and complexity. Drink now through 2014.