2019 Muga Seleccion Especial Rioja

96 Points Tim Atkin MW
In stock
A voluptuous and very special Rioja Reserva. This powerful old vine cuvee saw 26 months in barrel. With deep dark fruits and toasty oak it is rich and almost creamy in texture, with a beautiful balancing act of delicacy and density that only comes from lovingly tended old vines, from an elevated site in Rioja Alta. Serious gear and a beautiful wine — you have to try this!
$69.99 in mixed 6+ or $77.99 per bottle

Grape

Usually 70% Tempranillo, 20% Grenache, 7% Mazuelo (Carignan) and 3% Graciano

Its Origins

Bodega Muga was founded in Haro in 1932 and is still in family ownership; the company farms 250 hectares in La Rioja Alta and in addition has long-standing contracts with the owners of another 150 hectares. Located in the foothills of the Montes Obarenses, the five principal vineyards (El Estepal, La Loma, Blatracones, La Loma Alta, and Sajazarra) share clay and limestone soils, each with its own unique microclimate, informed by the happy coincidence of continental, Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. The extended Muga family controls all aspects of the production and advocates the complexity afforded by the entire canon of grapes, that is to say Tempranillo, of course for the red, but also Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano in addition to Viura and Malvasia for the whites.

What The Critics Say

96/100 Tim Atkin MW

“A great, great vintage” is how Isaac Muga describes 2019 and he certainly has a point here on what is effectively the second wine of Torre Muga. Partnering Tempranillo with 12% Garnacha Tinta and 4% each of Mazuelo and Graciano, it’s a structured, polished delight, with stylish 40% new French oak, blackberry, blood orange and liquorice flavours and layered, granular tannins. 2025-2040."

95/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Luis Gutierrez

"The subtle and harmonious 2019 Selección Especial reflects a very complete and good vintage. It has to be one of the finest vintages for this wine. 2019 is a powerful vintage with balance and freshness. The grapes ripened thoroughly and developed a full set of aromas and flavors. It's complex and nuanced, with abundant, fine-grained tannins and a long, dry and tasty finish. Selección applies to the vineyards but also the barrels and everything that contributes to this wine; it's not only a selection of lots, which was the case before the 1994 vintage. 274,992 bottles produced. It was bottled between April and June 2022 after 26 months in barrel. Drink 2024-2032"

95/100 JamesSuckling.com, Zekun Shuai

"Fresh and demure nose with lots of cocoa powder, blackcurrants, blackberries and a hint of cigar and charcoal. Excellent depth and class here with a very juicy center palate. Medium to full body with a long and layered finish. Drink or hold."

Variety Tempranillo
Region Rioja
Closure Cork
Volume 750ml
Maturity 2023 - 2038

This Wine Goes Well With

with GAME
with LAMB
with VENISON

Taste

4

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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.