Wine: Muga 1994 Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Muga (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winery: Bodegas Muga (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking:
The majority of the grapes are estate-grown, supplemented by fruit from long-term partner growers in Rioja Alta. Each varietal is vinified separately. Alcoholic fermentation took place in 10,000-liter oak vats with indigenous yeasts and no temperature control, followed by malolactic fermentation in tanks. The wine was aged for 30 months in semi-neutral 225-liter French and American oak barrels, many produced in the winery’s own cooperage. Traditionally fined with fresh egg whites before bottling. It rested for a minimum of 12 months in the winery’s historic Haro cellars before release.
The majority of the grapes are estate-grown, supplemented by fruit from long-term partner growers in Rioja Alta. Each varietal is vinified separately. Alcoholic fermentation took place in 10,000-liter oak vats with indigenous yeasts and no temperature control, followed by malolactic fermentation in tanks. The wine was aged for 30 months in semi-neutral 225-liter French and American oak barrels, many produced in the winery’s own cooperage. Traditionally fined with fresh egg whites before bottling. It rested for a minimum of 12 months in the winery’s historic Haro cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-red with medium-high depth; highly opaque and impenetrable.
Lacking in reflections, with a matte, dull finish. Significant sediment
at the base suggests the wine was bottled unfiltered. Copper rim,
sharply defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
Builds in intensity with aeration. Initially shows notes of black fruit
(black cherries, blueberries) and soft toasted notes, followed by a
somewhat diluted backdrop of vanilla, old leather, and English pipe
tobacco. Poised and smooth, though initially lacking depth. It gradually
improves, gaining presence and breadth while revealing notes of smoked
meat and Christmas spices.
Palate:
The palate offers a wine that has evolved significantly compared to a
decade ago. It has shed its former layers of leather, noble wood, and
sweetness to reveal a rawer and more profound profile. It is dominated
by intense acidity sustained by a core of fresh red fruit. Dry,
concentrated, and vital, it displays a strong varietal character with
straightforward fruit integrated into a transparent oak framework. It
maintains magnificent balance without losing its structural presence.
Commentary:
A fine example of the best qualities of Rioja Alta. This 1994 Reserva has transitioned into a leaner, more vibrant stage and shows great potential for further bottle evolution.
A fine example of the best qualities of Rioja Alta. This 1994 Reserva has transitioned into a leaner, more vibrant stage and shows great potential for further bottle evolution.
Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
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