Country: Spain Region: Rioja Varietal: Tempranillo / Garnacha Blend Vintage: 2015 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Bodegas Muga Description: The Greatest Ever Muga ‘Prado Enea’ This is arguably the bargain of the year. I was lucky enough to try this when we visited Muga earlier this year in June and it was absolutely electric. The qualities that the fruit gains from the very high, cool vineyard that forms this super-model are so clear to see here. Generous and rich but with such grace, balance, and confidence. 2015 was an epic year in Rioja and this is atraditionally-styled Gran Reserva Rioja at it’s very finest, offering amazing value and guarantees a knock-out glass every time. Tim Atkin scored it 99 Points and although The Wine Advocate hasn’t scored it yet, we are very confident it will surpass the 96Pts the 2009 received, making the 2011 the greatest Muga Prado Enea ever! We have tried it a number of times and bought all we could (particularly as they only make it in the best years and didn’t make any in 2007 or 2008; and no 2012 or 2013 will be released either). Thanks to our close relationship with Eduardo and Manu Muga, we are the first merchant to offer the 2015 in Ireland. This is truly one of the great wine-trade inside tips, which will drink wonderfully now and also thoroughly reward ageing for 10-30 years plus… And with both 2004 and 2005 trading at around 50% higher, it makes it an even finer prospect. 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.” Tasting Note The wine exhibits an attractive, deep, cherry colour. The nose is fresh and complex expressing aromas of blackberry forest fruit and prunes, while notes of cocoa, vanilla and subtle toast also come through denoting an ageing in top quality oak. Fresh on the palate with very well-integrated acidity. A lovely, pleasant mouth-feel with a good lingering finish. Clean and fresh with great ageing potential. This wine pairs well with casseroles, meat dishes, fish and cheese; and it can even be enjoyed on its own, without any accompaniment. Food Matches: Goat Cheese / Beef / Lamb / Veal