2001 Bodegas Muga Rioja Gran Reserva Prado Enea

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The Muga wine cellars were founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga Martínez who had a strong family history in the winemaking industry. In 1971, the winery moved their headquarters to their present location in the Barrio de La Estación (railway station district) in Haro. The facilities are two centuries old, built mainly of stone and oak.
The winery controls every step of the winemaking process from the vineyards to making their own barrels. Muga is one of only six estates in the world that owns its own cooperage and they import the oak directly from the United States and France. Bodegas Muga is one of the oldest, most elegant and traditional Rioja producers.
From the acclaimed 2001 vintage, this is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha, and a small amount of both Mazuelo and Graciano to add structure, acid and complexity. Ruby red in colour with a generous amount of bricking that makes it look a little older than the label suggests. The nose is a subtle introduction to the classic Riojan cigar box, spice, leather and dill. The palate is structured, focused and deep with sour plum, coconut, sandalwood and hints of iodine/rusty nail. It is very soft with layers of spices and tangy strawberry. The tannins work well with the acid giving a long velvety finish that persists long after the glass has left the hand. A classic Rioja where the fruit takes on more subtle nuances embedded in the wines woodiness and spice. In its window and there for another 5 years or so.

[griff]

Hmmm...may have to broach mine sooner than planned. Was expecting this wine to last a couple of decades!

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Hmmm...may have to broach mine sooner than planned. Was expecting this wine to last a couple of decades!

If you mean 2021. It will see that without a worry. However I do like Rioja around the 15-20 year mark as a preference. If it was my colour description, the browning/bricking comment was probably a comparison between what I would expect with a 2001 Aussie red under screw cap, so probably not a fair one.

[griff]

Hmmm...may have to broach mine sooner than planned. Was expecting this wine to last a couple of decades!

If you mean 2021. It will see that without a worry. However I do like Rioja around the 15-20 year mark as a preference. If it was my colour description, the browning/bricking comment was probably a comparison between what I would expect with a 2001 Aussie red under screw cap, so probably not a fair one.

That sounds alright then

cheers

Carl

[Mahmoud Ali]

Don't worry Carl, Riojas, especially the Gran Reservas, will last for more than decades and I'm sure this one will as well. A '96 Prado Enea two years ago was drinking well with plenty of years ahead of it.

Cheers.................Mahmoud.