94pts James Suckling

This is holding on beautifully and shows real Rioja character, with black cherry, ripe plum, chocolate and coffee. Attractive intensity. Medium body. Solid and very long. Still lightly chewy at the end. 70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha and 10% mazuelo and graciano. Drink now.

93pts Vinous

(70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha and 10% mazuelo and graciano) Bright ruby. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of cherry cola and black raspberry, with notes of coconut and baking spices that gain power with air. A fleshy, smooth texture combines with deep dark fruit flavors that show a surprisingly light touch. Packs a solid touch but comes off almost weightless, finishing with excellent clarity and sweet persistence. This drinks very well now but will age on its balance.

93pts Wine Spectator

Balanced and elegant, this lovely red exhibits fresh black fruit flavors that are supported by ripe tannins and lively acidity, with notes of mineral, licorice and tar adding complexity. This isn't a blockbuster, but it's complete. Drink now through 2015. 2,000 cases imported.

93pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2005 Muga Reserva Seleccion Especial is the identical cepage but sourced from older vineyards and aged longer in barrel. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it offers up an alluring perfume of sandalwood, pencil lead, incense, espresso, black cherry, and blackberry. Dense, rich, structured, and savory, on the palate spice notes and terroir aromas make an appearance leading to a pure, 45-second finish. It will offer a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2035.

92pts Wine Enthusiast

Smells slightly exotic and different from the norm; the nose offers baked black-fruit scents, lemon peel, rubber and Eastern spices. Pure and driving on the palate, with good acidity and woodsy, complex flavors of blackberry, coffee and licorice. Snappy and pure on the finish; drink from 2011 through 2016.

Tasting Notes

Oozing elegance from the outset, with rich toasted aromas telling of elegant wood, accompanied by black- and red-berried fruit, abounding in ripeness and finesse. A warm attack and a dense, supple mouth-feel which overflows with plenitude.

Winery Notes

Bodegas Muga is a family business founded by Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño in 1932, which is located in the historic Barrio de La Estación (Station Quarter) of Haro. With an area of around 25,000 square metres, it is home to both the most traditional winemaking methods and the latest cutting-edge techniques.