Country: Spain Region: Rioja Varietal: Tempranillo / Garnacha Blend Vintage: 2006 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Bodegas Muga Description: Bodegas Muga is located in Haro, in Spain’s Rioja region. The estate was founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga Martinez. He died in 1969 but his children still run the estate, which includes 690 acres of vineyards. In addition, Bodegas Muga leases nearly 400 nearby acres from other owners. Vineyards are planted to Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo (Carignan), and Graciano for red wines. White wines are made with Viura and Malvasia. The flagship wines are Tempranillo blends, and they impress wine writers. Robert M. Parker Jr. generally rates the reds in the mid- to high-90s, and notes that “Muga is the only winery left in Spain that uses only oak throughout the entire vinification process. They have their own cooperage and import the oak directly from the U.S. and France.” 98 Points James Suckling This is amazing traditional Rioja with a complexity and beauty of ripe fruit and long aging. Unique. Full body, ultra-fine tannins, tobacco, vanilla, plums & prunes. It lasts for minutes on the palate... All from high altitude vineyards. 98 Points The Wine Advocate The nose is intoxicating with a superb mixture of tertiary & more primary aromas... with great freshness, acidity and balance, with a silky texture, ultra-fine tannins and great persistence and length.... Superb! 92 Points Wine spectator The dense texture carries harmonious flavors of plum, tobacco, licorice, mineral and smoke in this polished red. Well-integrated tannins and orange peel acidity keep this balanced. The floral, spicy finish brings you back for another sip. Food Matches: Goat Cheese / Beef / Lamb / Veal