Wine: Prado Enea 1989 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Muga (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo
ABV: 13%
Winery: Bodegas Muga (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo
ABV: 13%
Winemaking:
Grapes are sourced from estate vineyards and select small growers in Rioja Alta. These plots are harvested last to ensure peak ripeness. Each varietal is vinified separately in 10,000-liter oak vats using indigenous yeasts and no temperature control. The wine is then stabilized for 12 months in large 16,000-liter vats before being aged for 36 months in 590 American oak barrels (225 liters), many crafted in the winery's own cooperage. Traditionally fined with fresh egg whites before bottling. Limited production of 173,629 bottles. Aged for a minimum of 36 months in the winery’s underground cellars before release.
Grapes are sourced from estate vineyards and select small growers in Rioja Alta. These plots are harvested last to ensure peak ripeness. Each varietal is vinified separately in 10,000-liter oak vats using indigenous yeasts and no temperature control. The wine is then stabilized for 12 months in large 16,000-liter vats before being aged for 36 months in 590 American oak barrels (225 liters), many crafted in the winery's own cooperage. Traditionally fined with fresh egg whites before bottling. Limited production of 173,629 bottles. Aged for a minimum of 36 months in the winery’s underground cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-ruby with medium-high depth; limpid and entirely free of
sediment. Refulgent and very vivid, showing pomegranate and copper
reflections. Broad, tawny (atejado) rim, sharply defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
Expansive and remarkably vibrant. It opens with ripe fruit and prunes,
followed by roasted notes and a spectacular backdrop of withered flowers
and old leather. Perfumed and fully expressive, it is both charming and
complex, offering a wealth of detail. As it breathes, it turns
increasingly "autumnal" and earthy, revealing notes of leaf litter,
black truffle, and forest floor, complemented by soft toast, a medley of
peppercorns, smoke, and seasoned oak staves. A truly impressive nose,
balanced and intense.
Palate:
Retains all the vigor of its youth but burnished by years of bottle
aging. The tannins are exceptionally fine and caressing, supported by
integrated acidity within a round, brilliant framework. Savory, spicy,
and lively, featuring a juicy core and culminating in a very long
finish.
Commentary:
Alongside the Rioja Alta 890, this is undoubtedly one of the finest wines produced in 1989. It is currently in a magnificent state, showing the perfect transition from fruit to tertiary complexity without losing its structural energy.
Alongside the Rioja Alta 890, this is undoubtedly one of the finest wines produced in 1989. It is currently in a magnificent state, showing the perfect transition from fruit to tertiary complexity without losing its structural energy.
Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Average: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
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