2021 Seleccion Especial Reserva

Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo. Fermented with ambient yeasts, followed by 26 months of ageing in French oak barrels. Fined using fresh egg whites, in the traditional manner. Tasted blind. Cooked black fruit, cocoa and menthol, alongside toasted oak and vanilla aromas. The fruit is concentrated and powerful, with a juicy, inky texture and a remarkable tannic load – yet so sweet it feels almost like a caress. A wine of volume and impact, while maintaining very good shape and delineation, lifted by an extra layer of acidity that gives it real ageing potential. Muga has clearly shifted this wine from a more traditional, aromatically open style to a distinctly modern expression of Rioja. (FC)

Fresh, plush but restrained with blackberries, cedar, graphite, pine, cocoa powder and incense. The fine wood is closely knit to the deep, vivid black fruit with medium to full body and polished tannins. The lengthy finish is structured and caressing. A blend of tempranillo, garnacha, graciano and mazuelo. Drink or hold.

Typically a fall release, the 2021 Muga Seleccion Especial is an exceptional wine from an exceptional vintage, combining 80% Tempranillo with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo from mostly its own vineyards. Gorgeous red and black berry fruit with citrus undertones carry a plush, generous, and full-bodied palate with an undeniable lightness of being. It spends 26 months in 40% new oak. There’s nuanced baking spice, dried herb, and lavender, supple tannins, and moderate tension, the acidity able to retain freshness throughout. Age 15-20 years.