Aged Reds dinner - Savoury Roast Pork Tenderloin with mushroom ragout, rice pilaf and sautéed green peas and leeks. Muga was decanted for ~45 mins. Poured after a 99 La Mondotte. Fresher and more polished than the St Emilion. Great medium-plus weight and a lingering, energetic finish. Great value, considering this was followed by a 91 Solaia.
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Used Durand to remove cork. Cork was in pristine condition. Decanted for 30-40 minutes. Lovely dried cherry, sage and floral bouquet. Silky, medium body. Very well-balanced and elegant. lingering finish. Favoured over a '08 Pesquera served alongside. Accompanied two versions of Quebecois tourtiere at dinner party - classic beef/pork mix and a moose meat version. The latter was excellent.
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20 min decant (small amount of sediment). Showing more maturity than last tasting 6 years ago. Still drinking very well, fruit is holding up. Good value.
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Upon opening, same hint of mold atop the cork under the foil; exactly as I remember the first of my two bottles.
First nose in - you're met with a vast, yawning, almost overwhelming assault of fruit: boysenberries and raisins, amongst many others. Has almost a bordeaux-like whiff, but like my first bottle several months ago - it's a pleasant, but one-sided wine. Lacks structure and complexity - but I'm being picky. Pepper and earth are still there, moderate mouthfeel, and the finish is short.
Nice wine - past its peak IMO, but in a very nice spot. Probably has a few more years before it falls off the cliff in age. For the price bought - a wonderful ride to allow it to mature over the years.
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Sour cherry casis and blackberry is the fruit in my pallet with vanilla pipe tobacco from the wood. It is nicely tannic with a crisp acid to clean the pallet.
Really nice wine. I don't know if it will improve much more in the cellar in my untrained opinion.
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A bit of mold atop the cork underneath the foil. Purchased this from a local wine pairing bistro in 2013, and I recall it was very much on the uphill swing towards its peak. Didn't drink the first of my two bottles until now - and it's about the same presentation. So either this bottle has maintained a constant state of quality since, or it experienced a meteoric rise to it's peak a few years ago, and I've caught it on the downswing.
Boysenberries and leather on the nose. Very coherent, not an overly complex structure - just abundance of the good stuff: fruit, grape jelly (I know, I just call it as I smell it), and a hint of sandalwood. Peppery on the tongue; nice finish - but doesn't linger as long as I'd like.
Very serviceable; still has one or two years left - but I'd drink soon if you have a lot. Enjoyable.
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Rock solid juicy, dark, extracted Rioja, not too heavy, developing a little character as it ages. Not built for the long haul, but still has 5 years before it might start tipping down hill. In magnum anyway - not sure how the 750mls are holding up.
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This is still a very nice bottle of Muga Reserva, but it is losing fruit and should probably be drunk up in the next year or two. Have had this wine on a number of occasions and enjoyed each one.
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One of the best bottles of the 2008 Muga I have had. Previous bottles seem to be losing fruit, but this bottle was well balanced with dark fruit and leather with a good mid-range and finish. Served with grilled pork chop seasoned with fresh Thyme and Rosemary. Very nice match.
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Have had this 2008 from Muga on a number of occasions and still have a few bottles left. Nice nose after decanting with spices, touch of wood, but wine appears to be losing a bit of fruit and the finish was relatively short. This is one of the Muga Reservas that may need to be drunk up in the next year or two.
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One of my favorite, less expensive, Rioja's and I have enjoyed these over multiple years and multiple bottles, 2006-2012. Served with grilled bone-in port loin roast. Relied on internet recommendations for wine which ranged from sauvignon blanc, to Loire Valley, and low to no oak Chardonnay. Recommended reds included Pinot Noirs, gamays, tempranillo, cabernet franc.
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This seems to be hitting its stride. Nicely bright on the palette with a classic leathery nose, and gorgeous candied dark cherries. Decanted for an hour.
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First had this vintage of the Muga Reserva in June, 2013 and have had it on 3 occasions. Served this time with grilled center cut pork chop it was an excellent match with plums, moderate wood, good acidity, and medium finish. I have enjoyed the Muga Reservas, the Seleccion Especials, and a few vintages of Prado Enea. I look forward to drinking more of these. Excellent wine at a very good price.
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Rigtig fint og gedigent glas vin. I næsen mørke bær bl.a i form af solbær, mørke mirabeller og lidt mørke kirsebær. Dernæst hvid peber, ristet toast, sød bourbonvanille og slutteligt lidt sød, våd jordbund og - som en del andre har skrevet - mineralsk-/jernagtigt på en rigtig appetitlige måde. I munden er vinen fyldig og dejlig rund. Fortsat mærkbare tanniner, men de er bløde og velintegrerede samt masser af solmodne mørke stenfrugter. Rigtig godt glas vin nu, men både frugt og tanniner indikerer, at der er mange år tilbage i denne vin. Tror næsten, at jeg har åbnet for tidligt, men jeg har bestemt ikke fortrudt. Nydt til sous vide/grillet lammeculotte.
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From a Mag and glorious! Funk, earth, raspberries and iron. Medium to long finish and really concentrated. This is one of my favorite Spanish wines and I know the vintage is not great on paper but this over delivers in spades. Awesome!!!
DAY 4: Still rocking. Raspberries, iron, roasted meats and cedar. Just amazing the evolution of this wine. One of the best wines from Spain under $25.
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Leather, animal, blackberry and earth on the nose. Well balanced acidity and an iron like minerality to this wine. Dried fruit and spice on the finish.
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Much better than the bottles I drank in 2013. Red fruit, medium body, good acid, nice balance, surprisingly long finish, good texture. Very enjoyable bottle.
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Muga þvert og endilangt (Njálsgata 6): Svipaður litur og á hinum reserva vínunum. Í ilminum flóknari tónar en í fyrri tveimur vínunum. Banani, chili, smá lím. Ekki eins mikill ferskleiki í bragði og í 2010 víninu. Smá biturleiki í bragði. Dökkir ávextir, kirsuber og plómur áberandi, einnig krydd, pipar aðallega. Þetta vín á líklega ekki eftir að batna við geymslu úr þessu. Verður þó væntanlega flott í 3-4 ár í viðbót áður en það fer að dala.
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Double decanted about 2 hours before serving. This wine is a bit fruit forward with plums and black berries in the nose and initial flavors. Wood is not overly pronounced and the tannins in this wine have dissipated and the wine has good length. This is a very good Muga Rioja that should be around for a few years. Very similar to the 2006 and 2007 Reservas.
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brought to dinner party so was not able to decant and did not take formal notes. I usually really enjoy this wine but maybe expectations (or an off bottle) were too high. 89+
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A ton of baby fat to shed. Tannins and acids all out of whack when popped, much better after one hour in the decanter, can do better with two. Nose giving away nothing much but can taste the depth and good blackcurrent fruit peeking thru but right now structure is all in front. Quality, serious wine for sure, just needed a couple more years to be approchable and long life thereafter. 89 for now, 90s for sure when mature
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Rubi/ granada concentrado. Nariz agradavelmente intenso, que remete a ameixas e algo de morangos, em perfeita harmonia a notas de baunilha e uma sutil e fina madeira, com belo toque terroso, mineral e herbáceo.. Encorpado, bastante elegante, com taninos empoeirados e um notável equilíbrio entre a fruta e a madeira, delineado por uma excelente acidez que chega a induzir a salivação. Uma delícia! Já está em boa janela, mas creio que não em seu auge e que continuará evoluindo muito bem. Beba até 2023 (+?). 90+
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I recently began revisiting Rioja and I'm glad I did! Muga is a great traditional producer. Tasted two bottles within a month of each other. The nose was really nice with dark cherries, dried herbs, spice, leather and oak. The mouth feel was round with the oak and tannins very well integrated. The mid-palate was nice dark cherry more savory notes and finished medium length with good acidity. Fruit from their higher and bottling went into the 2008 Reserva.
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From memory: Somewhat muted nose showing blackberry and dried leaves. A little tightness on the palate but overall drinking very nicely, with some chewy tannins on the rear and finish. Black and red fruit tones on the palate with a nice earthiness. Medium finish. Very good.
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A very nice youthful Rioja. Consumed with roast lamb and a very good food wine. Classic Rioja aromas and taste, although still a bit young. Will improve.
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From a half. Quite a big step down from the Reserva Especial. This is simple, vanilla-nosed Rioja. Not the weight and class of it's brother. Got better with some air, so there's hope for it...
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Wine is too young in my opinion. Very tight nose, though the vanilla and dark fruit came forward the longer it was decanted (abt 2 hours by the last glass). On the palate it was primarily oak. Those nice fruits are there and I think will balance out to a very nice wine in a few years.
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I love it, even at this obviously tender age. Great balance, even though the acid, fruit, tannin, and oak are still driving in four separate lanes. Leather, chocolate-covered dark cherry, rhubarb make a wonderful palette. There's a little bit of greenness there, too, but it didn't detract. Just as beguiling on night two. Hold to 2016.
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A really solid value play at $18. Opens with aeration to reveal a well balanced wine with gentle tannins. Open for business and will be for five to ten years. Vintage after vintage this has become a go-to reliable choice with an old world bend. Highly recommended. 13.5% ABV
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Rather closed at this point of time. Colour light violet with orange starting to creep in. Nose not revealing much. Maybe a mixture of dark fruits, plums. Quite a bit of acid and a bit harsh in the beginning. Vanilla and dark fruits prominent. Smoothed out over period of two hours. I expect this to improve over the next 2-3 years. 89-91.
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From magnum. Even with a 4-hour decant this didn't give up very much. Some red fruit, oak of course, but very very tight. Opened up a bit after three hours in the glass but still quite hard work. This should be very nice in about 5 years+ I think..
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Half bottle. The wine is solid Rioja, young still. A bit tight and firm, with oak, dark fruit, suave as it should be. I am not such a fan in its current state, but it should age very well. I'd buy more and put them down. Sure to reward later.
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Notes of cigar box, leather, and tart blackberries. Plenty of body with firm tannins but maintains balance. Not as spicy or typical of other Rioja I've had, but a good buy
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Tight. Nose is muted with some spice. Palate is sour red fruit and a bit of leather. While enjoyable, not as good a performance as this wine usually gives (which is typically a very good and even better QPR).
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excellent QPR. Very balanced if not all that complex. Finish is nice with firm tannins but a bit short. Haven't had anything this good at this price point in quite some time. Need to buy more.
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Decanted for more than 2 hours. Pretty ruby color. Blackberry, prune, black cherry, tobacco, anise, and tar on the nose with an undertone of black volcanic rock; tart black cherry, tart blackberry and violets on the palate; elegant tannins underscored by high acidity. Delicious and continues to get better as it opens up.
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Popped and poured and enjoyed over 2 evenings. This wine is reaching its peak. The first evening, consistent with our previous experience, it was well balanced, start to finish, with classic Rioja characteristics that are a great example of the varietal. However, the next evening, the wine took on a slight raisiny taste, and it was less pleasant. Conclusion, drink up now!
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Enjoyed this alongside a tomato and beef dish and the Spain/Brazil Confederations Cup final. Few wines are as reliable as Muga; always solid, always enjoyable, always affordable (even on wine lists). Modern-style Rioja, fruit was a bit pruned, lots of oak. Wasn't as blown away as some of the tasters below, but I have yet to cork a bottle of Muga that I didn't enjoy to the last glass.
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Medium to full body, dark ruby red, aromatic, cherry and blackberry, tobacco, leather, smoked wood and species aroma, black currants, pepper, species, vanilla, oaky, minerals on the palate, juicy on finish, long finish, bold, rich, satiated, juicy, well balanced, complex, nice acidity, highly tannic now – need time for integration. Well associated with chicken and grilled vegetables or fat white cheeses or chicken liver or paella. Serve to 18º - 22º, open two hours in advance. Enjoyable now but (very tannic) need two years cellaring in bottle. Drink from 2015 during five/seven years.
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Double decanted and served after about 45 minutes. Full nose of blackberries and plums, with blackberries persisting into the initial taste and mid-range with medium intensity flavors, round but noticeable tanins in the finish, good acidity, and a good length. Wine should improve over 2-3 years and very similar flavor profile to the 2006 and 2007 Mugas. Served with grilled minute steaks.
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Outstanding wine and a buy every vintage. Sour cherry, minerals, spices and leather. This is a complex wine and the right amount of acidity. Medium finish and a six pack buy for sure.
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dark red in color. plum, floral, spice, dark fruit, on the nose. plum, blackberry, spice, chocolate, oak, on the palate. medium acid and tannins on the finish.
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Nicely balanced, it isn't over oaked neither is it too tannic. Deep ruby colour and quite spicey, but overall a bit short of being a stellar performer.
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Tasted immediately after opening. Earth, cherry and cinnamon nose. Soft cherry fruit, oak and spice flavor. Nice fruit. Noticeable yet not overly obtrusive tannins. Very good and an excellent match this evening with tortilla soup.
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Lovely aromas of dark fruits and vanilla oak with a touch of spice. The palate is smooth but woody and has a really lovely fresh cherry flavour. Well rounded, smooth and with an excellent length to the finish. Good value at £14.
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Quick note, PnP'd, bright red fruit nose with notes of mulled spices and vanilla. Acidic and bright red fruit on the palate with red and black cherry, Asian spice and stewed tomato.
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Needed an hour to open up. Beautiful dark crimson color. Reserved nose, slightly vegetal nose, with smoke. Tight tannic palate, with some licorice, spice, and green herbal note. Slightly drying bitter tannins on the back end. Well built, but could use some time. Disjointed at this point. On night 2 smoothed out and was more typical of tempranillo. Smoky, red fruit, still reserved and tannic. Needs some time.
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Ripe powerful blackcurrant nose with undertones of leather and toasty oak. Young and grippy, quite a dense ball of flavour with lots of black pepper spice. Feels like there is something good underneath but it's very tight at the moment.
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Second bottle opened after the first was corked, this was cleanish, but quite musty. With air, some of the mustiness blew off, but it was still pretty dull wine with a bitter, awkward finish. Big disappointment.
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Dark purple. Nose was tight but included dark cherry. Medium body, dry with pronounced tannins. Notes of dark berry and spice. Medium finish. Good QPR (bought for $20 @ Costco). Would buy again.
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Dark cherry and cassis on the nose. The palate has with blackberry, raspberry, with ample tannins and wood. This wine seemed better with food, than by it self.
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APPEARANCE: clear; medium ruby; medium legs & tears NOSE: clean; medium intensity; flavors: dark fruits (blackberry, black cherry), red cherry, sweet spices (notable vanilla), forest floor PALATE:dry, high acidity; medium body; medium+ alcohol; medium tannin; medium+ finish (alcohol); medium flavor intensity; flavors: as per nose, but a bit vegetal. Slightly vegetal. READINESS FOR DRINKING: Can drink now but has potential for further aging FURTHER REMARKS: an good robust Rioja, but a bit austere and bitter at the moment, but should improve.
This is a very lovely ruby colored wine with a lovely deep red colour. The nose has very nice rose scent and is rather aromatic with some hints of vanilla. This is a very nice and elegant wine with lovely shades of red cherries pepper flint with a metallic slightly licorice finish.
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Earthy nose and Cherries on the palate. Nice acidity and tannins. Short finish at first but came alive with spicy tacos. Full bodied and nice structure with food. A solid effort.
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Half decanted 1 hour (the other half kept for the following day) and a sample tasted immediately. Initial impressions - Nice typical nose; promising? More restraint palate than the nose suggests. Rather dry finish. A little sour with orange hints. After 1 hour, it mellows and evolves a bit but not getting any brighter. I was hoping for something more balanced with brighter fruit (presumably the top cuvee wasn't produced in 2008 so this Reserva should include some Muga's best grapes). It is not bad for the vintage and for the price, but I don't think it provides amazing value. While this Reserva is approachable now, I suspect it needs a few more years to reach its peak. It would be interesting to try it again 2015-2018. On the next day it is actually quite nice (with just 15 minutes of additional breathing). Seems to get its act together. Give it more time.
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The first day it was a little to oaky to my taste, but it was better integrated the 2nd day. I will let the remaining bottles rest a couple of years. 88+
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Popped and poured. This wine is ready to drink now, and is quite enjoyable on its own, or paired with steak. Well balanced, start to finish, with classic Rioja characteristics that are a great example of the varietal. Looking forward to having a few more bottles of this wine over the next couple of years.
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(70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha, 7% mazuelo and 3% graciano, fermented in oak vats and raised in oak barrels for 24 months): Vivid ruby. Heady, exotic aromas of candied dark berries, vanilla, cola and dark chocolate, with a slow-building floral quality. The palate offers sweet cherry-vanilla and licorice flavors, along with notes of rose pastille and bitter chocolate. Finishes sweet and long, with silky tannins adding shape and gentle grip. This is the only red wine that Muga bottled this vintage so all of the Prado Enea fruit went in here.
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Medium bodied. Nice up front cherry. Very restrained tannins with nice acidity for food. Didn't pick up the earthy flavors that have been a hallmark of many Rioja's I have tasted. Enjoyable.
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Beautiful purple with more of a brick undertone than expected for a 4-5 year old bottle. Bright fruit on the nose including bing cherry, which carries through on a long finish. Definitely an old world wine and starts off a little rough around the edges, but it has the backbone to make it worthwhile. Reasonably smooth tannins indicate this wine will be nice for 4-5 more years. Probably not going to be a favorite among napa cab lovers, but after 20 minutes in the glass, the edges rounded off and it was a really nice wine. No masking of anything with tons of vanilla oak. Just an honest red.
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Very dark. Nose is oaky. Very concentrated and somewhat over extracted, a bit bitter. This Muga is a bit too modern for my taste. Finish is mid-length.
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Restaurant purchase so no detail. Heavy oak was hard to get past. Also had what I think was a dose of Brett. At first thought it was corked but the fruit was intact underneath all of this. Either way not a fan
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Great nose. Good acidity. Very dry - drier than we're used to in a rioja. Like a Spanish version of a Barolo -elegant, sophisticated - but maybe an acquired taste. Interesting - probably would not get again.
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$20 at Costco. Outstanding deal for a nice wine. We enjoyed this vintage more than the 2007 though that was very nice as well. Needs some time to age but we're going to grab a case and cellar it for a while.
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Complex nose of plum, vanilla, cinnemon, liquorice and a touch of olive. Palate is mostly black fruit with spices followed by a espresso like finish. Oak is a bit too strong. Otherwise a balanced, flavorful wine.
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Medium(+) ruby, narrow slow-moving tainted legs. Medium developing aromas of red fruits, cherries, vaniilla, leather. Dry, medium acidity, medium alcohol, tannins and body. Full of red fruit flavours with dried plum/cocoa notes. Crunchy texture, good balance. Medium dry finish with integrated tannins, supported by the fruit acidity. With beef shank stew.
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Tasted at the winery. Strong mocha nose. Smooth on the palate with muted red fruit. Probably will come out with more time. Tannin is present. Shortish finish. A few more years will help.
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9/24/2023 - Canoehead Likes this wine: 92 Points
Aged Reds dinner - Savoury Roast Pork Tenderloin with mushroom ragout, rice pilaf and sautéed green peas and leeks. Muga was decanted for ~45 mins. Poured after a 99 La Mondotte. Fresher and more polished than the St Emilion. Great medium-plus weight and a lingering, energetic finish. Great value, considering this was followed by a 91 Solaia.
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5/29/2023 - kevin h wrote: 90 Points
Decent Rioja, meaty, red fruits with a hint of sourness which I also found in the 2019 recently. Nice maturity. Drinking probably at its peak.
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2/13/2023 - SchlaepDog Likes this wine: 90 Points
From magnum. Tobacco and earth nose. Fading dry cherry, plum, tobacco, and dusty earth on the palate, smooth tannin.
Very good, just missing energy, feels a little tired. Drink now, not seeing much more of an upside to hold further.
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12/17/2022 - Canoehead Likes this wine: 92 Points
Used Durand to remove cork. Cork was in pristine condition. Decanted for 30-40 minutes. Lovely dried cherry, sage and floral bouquet. Silky, medium body. Very well-balanced and elegant. lingering finish. Favoured over a '08 Pesquera served alongside. Accompanied two versions of Quebecois tourtiere at dinner party - classic beef/pork mix and a moose meat version. The latter was excellent.
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9/22/2021 - 560 B&W Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consumed over two nights. Great QPR. Better on night two; doesn't seem to be in decline yet. 13.5%
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12/30/2020 - 560 B&W Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still quite young, but coming along nicely. Quite powerful for 13.5%
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7/29/2020 - grover91 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Thought it might be thin, but it still had a lot of structure. Not as interesting and complex as I had hoped though.
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7/24/2020 - ccarter5181 wrote: 90 Points
20 min decant (small amount of sediment). Showing more maturity than last tasting 6 years ago. Still drinking very well, fruit is holding up. Good value.
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3/31/2020 - mike410 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Excellent QPR that has many more years left. No bricking whatsoever. Wine has at least 3-4 years left at peak.
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3/17/2020 - optioninvestor Likes this wine: 88 Points
Upon opening, same hint of mold atop the cork under the foil; exactly as I remember the first of my two bottles.
First nose in - you're met with a vast, yawning, almost overwhelming assault of fruit: boysenberries and raisins, amongst many others. Has almost a bordeaux-like whiff, but like my first bottle several months ago - it's a pleasant, but one-sided wine. Lacks structure and complexity - but I'm being picky. Pepper and earth are still there, moderate mouthfeel, and the finish is short.
Nice wine - past its peak IMO, but in a very nice spot. Probably has a few more years before it falls off the cliff in age. For the price bought - a wonderful ride to allow it to mature over the years.
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12/29/2019 - FlyingFerris Likes this wine: 95 Points
Lovely floral bouquet mostly roses on the nose.
Sour cherry casis and blackberry is the fruit in my pallet with vanilla pipe tobacco from the wood. It is nicely tannic with a crisp acid to clean the pallet.
Really nice wine. I don't know if it will improve much more in the cellar in my untrained opinion.
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11/29/2019 - samperez134 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Needs time to come out so an 1 hour decanting brings the best of it.
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8/21/2019 - optioninvestor Likes this wine: 90 Points
A bit of mold atop the cork underneath the foil. Purchased this from a local wine pairing bistro in 2013, and I recall it was very much on the uphill swing towards its peak. Didn't drink the first of my two bottles until now - and it's about the same presentation. So either this bottle has maintained a constant state of quality since, or it experienced a meteoric rise to it's peak a few years ago, and I've caught it on the downswing.
Boysenberries and leather on the nose. Very coherent, not an overly complex structure - just abundance of the good stuff: fruit, grape jelly (I know, I just call it as I smell it), and a hint of sandalwood. Peppery on the tongue; nice finish - but doesn't linger as long as I'd like.
Very serviceable; still has one or two years left - but I'd drink soon if you have a lot. Enjoyable.
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4/29/2019 - hankj wrote: 90 Points
Rock solid juicy, dark, extracted Rioja, not too heavy, developing a little character as it ages. Not built for the long haul, but still has 5 years before it might start tipping down hill. In magnum anyway - not sure how the 750mls are holding up.
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4/22/2019 - johnnyrichardson wrote: 89 Points
From a magnum - last tasted from magnum 5 years ago when it was fairly closed, it has now opened up nicely, v. good but not exceptional.
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8/1/2018 - kevin h wrote: 92 Points
Seriously good Rioja. Deep red fruit, gentle oak and nice complexity. Long. Excellent.
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7/28/2018 - Ken332 Likes this wine: 87 Points
This is still a very nice bottle of Muga Reserva, but it is losing fruit and should probably be drunk up in the next year or two. Have had this wine on a number of occasions and enjoyed each one.
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4/27/2018 - Ken332 Likes this wine: 90 Points
One of the best bottles of the 2008 Muga I have had. Previous bottles seem to be losing fruit, but this bottle was well balanced with dark fruit and leather with a good mid-range and finish. Served with grilled pork chop seasoned with fresh Thyme and Rosemary. Very nice match.
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3/16/2018 - Ken332 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Have had this 2008 from Muga on a number of occasions and still have a few bottles left. Nice nose after decanting with spices, touch of wood, but wine appears to be losing a bit of fruit and the finish was relatively short. This is one of the Muga Reservas that may need to be drunk up in the next year or two.
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12/3/2017 - Ken332 Likes this wine: 90 Points
One of my favorite, less expensive, Rioja's and I have enjoyed these over multiple years and multiple bottles, 2006-2012. Served with grilled bone-in port loin roast. Relied on internet recommendations for wine which ranged from sauvignon blanc, to Loire Valley, and low to no oak Chardonnay. Recommended reds included Pinot Noirs, gamays, tempranillo, cabernet franc.
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10/14/2017 - DaddyNeedsPow wrote: 91 Points
This seems to be hitting its stride. Nicely bright on the palette with a classic leathery nose, and gorgeous candied dark cherries. Decanted for an hour.
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6/23/2017 - Ken332 Likes this wine: 90 Points
First had this vintage of the Muga Reserva in June, 2013 and have had it on 3 occasions. Served this time with grilled center cut pork chop it was an excellent match with plums, moderate wood, good acidity, and medium finish. I have enjoyed the Muga Reservas, the Seleccion Especials, and a few vintages of Prado Enea. I look forward to drinking more of these. Excellent wine at a very good price.
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6/11/2017 - Dinamarca wrote: 91 Points
Rigtig fint og gedigent glas vin. I næsen mørke bær bl.a i form af solbær, mørke mirabeller og lidt mørke kirsebær. Dernæst hvid peber, ristet toast, sød bourbonvanille og slutteligt lidt sød, våd jordbund og - som en del andre har skrevet - mineralsk-/jernagtigt på en rigtig appetitlige måde. I munden er vinen fyldig og dejlig rund. Fortsat mærkbare tanniner, men de er bløde og velintegrerede samt masser af solmodne mørke stenfrugter. Rigtig godt glas vin nu, men både frugt og tanniner indikerer, at der er mange år tilbage i denne vin. Tror næsten, at jeg har åbnet for tidligt, men jeg har bestemt ikke fortrudt. Nydt til sous vide/grillet lammeculotte.
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6/8/2017 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 92 Points
From a Mag and glorious! Funk, earth, raspberries and iron. Medium to long finish and really concentrated. This is one of my favorite Spanish wines and I know the vintage is not great on paper but this over delivers in spades. Awesome!!!
DAY 4: Still rocking. Raspberries, iron, roasted meats and cedar. Just amazing the evolution of this wine. One of the best wines from Spain under $25.
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5/21/2017 - Paradigm Media Likes this wine: 87 Points
Leather, animal, blackberry and earth on the nose. Well balanced acidity and an iron like minerality to this wine. Dried fruit and spice on the finish.
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5/20/2017 - Armando B wrote: 91 Points
Much better than the bottles I drank in 2013. Red fruit, medium body, good acid, nice balance, surprisingly long finish, good texture. Very enjoyable bottle.
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3/28/2017 - CieloVista wrote: 90 Points
...dark fruit, plums, ripe berries, some spice; dry, medium bodied, clean, rich integrated flavors; nice long finish
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2/3/2017 - bitdrerik wrote: 90 Points
Muga þvert og endilangt (Njálsgata 6): Svipaður litur og á hinum reserva vínunum. Í ilminum flóknari tónar en í fyrri tveimur vínunum. Banani, chili, smá lím. Ekki eins mikill ferskleiki í bragði og í 2010 víninu. Smá biturleiki í bragði. Dökkir ávextir, kirsuber og plómur áberandi, einnig krydd, pipar aðallega.
Þetta vín á líklega ekki eftir að batna við geymslu úr þessu. Verður þó væntanlega flott í 3-4 ár í viðbót áður en það fer að dala.
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8/27/2016 - Ken332 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Double decanted about 2 hours before serving. This wine is a bit fruit forward with plums and black berries in the nose and initial flavors. Wood is not overly pronounced and the tannins in this wine have dissipated and the wine has good length. This is a very good Muga Rioja that should be around for a few years. Very similar to the 2006 and 2007 Reservas.
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12/21/2015 - CWilliam wrote: 89 Points
brought to dinner party so was not able to decant and did not take formal notes. I usually really enjoy this wine but maybe expectations (or an off bottle) were too high. 89+
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11/15/2015 - laralh wrote: 87 Points
Solbær, moreller, kaffe, vanilije, litt mentol og pepper. God fylde og iengde
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11/1/2015 - Andice wrote: 89 Points
A ton of baby fat to shed. Tannins and acids all out of whack when popped, much better after one hour in the decanter, can do better with two. Nose giving away nothing much but can taste the depth and good blackcurrent fruit peeking thru but right now structure is all in front. Quality, serious wine for sure, just needed a couple more years to be approchable and long life thereafter. 89 for now, 90s for sure when mature
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6/7/2015 - LEEJV123 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Medium full, round, smoky
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4/1/2015 - tastark Likes this wine:
Yum. Needs more time.
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1/29/2015 - mschede Likes this wine: 90 Points
Rubi/ granada concentrado. Nariz agradavelmente intenso, que remete a ameixas e algo de morangos, em perfeita harmonia a notas de baunilha e uma sutil e fina madeira, com belo toque terroso, mineral e herbáceo.. Encorpado, bastante elegante, com taninos empoeirados e um notável equilíbrio entre a fruta e a madeira, delineado por uma excelente acidez que chega a induzir a salivação. Uma delícia! Já está em boa janela, mas creio que não em seu auge e que continuará evoluindo muito bem. Beba até 2023 (+?). 90+
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11/26/2014 - DrizzleOH Likes this wine: 90 Points
I recently began revisiting Rioja and I'm glad I did! Muga is a great traditional producer. Tasted two bottles within a month of each other. The nose was really nice with dark cherries, dried herbs, spice, leather and oak. The mouth feel was round with the oak and tannins very well integrated. The mid-palate was nice dark cherry more savory notes and finished medium length with good acidity. Fruit from their higher and bottling went into the 2008 Reserva.
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9/1/2014 - mmcdds wrote:
Drinking very well.
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8/3/2014 - WMWG Likes this wine:
From memory: Somewhat muted nose showing blackberry and dried leaves. A little tightness on the palate but overall drinking very nicely, with some chewy tannins on the rear and finish. Black and red fruit tones on the palate with a nice earthiness. Medium finish. Very good.
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8/2/2014 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 90 Points
consistent with notes of 10/7/2013 - this time enjoyed at Bob's Chop House.
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5/31/2014 - ccarter5181 wrote: 90 Points
Classic Rioja profile. Nice perfumed nose, good fruit and oak balance. Gentle tannins on medium length finish. Drinking nicely now and good QPR.
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5/26/2014 - brianngibson wrote: 90 Points
Great classic Rioja profile. Black cherry, soft oak, smoke, a little vanilla. Love it.
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5/16/2014 - StageOneRacing Likes this wine: 87 Points
Very nice rioja, herbal and bright fruit with medium tannins. Acidity works well with food, but is easy to drink by itself as well.
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4/21/2014 - Armando B wrote: 86 Points
consistent with my previous note
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3/30/2014 - wadrian57 Likes this wine: 89 Points
A very nice youthful Rioja. Consumed with roast lamb and a very good food wine. Classic Rioja aromas and taste, although still a bit young. Will improve.
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3/9/2014 - peterkj wrote: 90 Points
Kraftig og fylding vin, som skal åbnes nogle timer i forvejen for at være på toppen
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3/7/2014 - king-bing wrote:
From a half. Quite a big step down from the Reserva Especial. This is simple, vanilla-nosed Rioja. Not the weight and class of it's brother. Got better with some air, so there's hope for it...
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2/28/2014 - colinm wrote: 88 Points
Wine is too young in my opinion. Very tight nose, though the vanilla and dark fruit came forward the longer it was decanted (abt 2 hours by the last glass). On the palate it was primarily oak. Those nice fruits are there and I think will balance out to a very nice wine in a few years.
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2/26/2014 - Mike I wrote:
Great Rioja and good pairing with lamb burgers.
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2/10/2014 - DaddyNeedsPow Likes this wine: 91 Points
I love it, even at this obviously tender age. Great balance, even though the acid, fruit, tannin, and oak are still driving in four separate lanes. Leather, chocolate-covered dark cherry, rhubarb make a wonderful palette. There's a little bit of greenness there, too, but it didn't detract. Just as beguiling on night two. Hold to 2016.
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1/24/2014 - jtinto Likes this wine: 91 Points
A really solid value play at $18. Opens with aeration to reveal a well balanced wine with gentle tannins. Open for business and will be for five to ten years. Vintage after vintage this has become a go-to reliable choice with an old world bend. Highly recommended. 13.5% ABV
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1/13/2014 - ItamarL wrote: 81 Points
Nice Rioja.
Vineyards stink on the nose with interesting vanilla.
Mid body, fear tannin and nice balance.
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1/10/2014 - brianngibson wrote: 90 Points
A great QPR value. Vibrant sour black cherry, lightly oaked, and with a slightly smokey finish.
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12/26/2013 - bitdrerik Likes this wine: 89 Points
Rather closed at this point of time. Colour light violet with orange starting to creep in. Nose not revealing much. Maybe a mixture of dark fruits, plums. Quite a bit of acid and a bit harsh in the beginning. Vanilla and dark fruits prominent. Smoothed out over period of two hours. I expect this to improve over the next 2-3 years. 89-91.
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12/26/2013 - johnnyrichardson Likes this wine: 89 Points
From magnum. Even with a 4-hour decant this didn't give up very much. Some red fruit, oak of course, but very very tight. Opened up a bit after three hours in the glass but still quite hard work. This should be very nice in about 5 years+ I think..
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12/22/2013 - gnosis wrote:
Half bottle. The wine is solid Rioja, young still. A bit tight and firm, with oak, dark fruit, suave as it should be. I am not such a fan in its current state, but it should age very well. I'd buy more and put them down. Sure to reward later.
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12/17/2013 - jviz wrote: 90 Points
Notes of cigar box, leather, and tart blackberries. Plenty of body with firm tannins but maintains balance. Not as spicy or typical of other Rioja I've had, but a good buy
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12/14/2013 - markmiller1127 Likes this wine:
Aroma - Dark fruit
Taste - Bold, dark fruity, light spice, medium smoke, minimal tannin
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12/6/2013 - Armando B wrote: 86 Points
Tight. Nose is muted with some spice. Palate is sour red fruit and a bit of leather. While enjoyable, not as good a performance as this wine usually gives (which is typically a very good and even better QPR).
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11/5/2013 - DSP Does not like this wine: 79 Points
Sexy nose of berries and wood, but the palate does not stand up. Oak, oak, and more oak. Undrinkable, at least by me.
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10/29/2013 - johnh1001 wrote: 90 Points
Nice wood spice, plum, dark fruit and cedar on the nose and palate. Pretty, simple and easy to enjoy. Will hold.
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10/27/2013 - Chateau du Fey 1994 wrote: 91 Points
excellent QPR. Very balanced if not all that complex. Finish is nice with firm tannins but a bit short. Haven't had anything this good at this price point in quite some time. Need to buy more.
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10/21/2013 - DTWOB Likes this wine: 89 Points
Opened at my home during a large dinner party - did not get much of a taste on this one, but what I did get was nice!
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10/7/2013 - danielbleier Likes this wine: 90 Points
blackberry, Asian spice and graphite. Not much on the nose, but a fun starter wine at the Mansion at Turtle Creek.
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9/28/2013 - Rezy13 wrote:
The Classics Series- Classic Blends (Bin 75): Purple color; purple fruit, tobacco, leather, and cedary wood at this stage of its life; let this sit a year or more.
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9/22/2013 - wineretriever Likes this wine: 89 Points
Decanted for more than 2 hours. Pretty ruby color. Blackberry, prune, black cherry, tobacco, anise, and tar on the nose with an undertone of black volcanic rock; tart black cherry, tart blackberry and violets on the palate; elegant tannins underscored by high acidity. Delicious and continues to get better as it opens up.
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9/14/2013 - csillabu wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured and enjoyed over 2 evenings. This wine is reaching its peak. The first evening, consistent with our previous experience, it was well balanced, start to finish, with classic Rioja characteristics that are a great example of the varietal. However, the next evening, the wine took on a slight raisiny taste, and it was less pleasant. Conclusion, drink up now!
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9/13/2013 - Derek Darth Taster wrote:
Spanish Wine Tasting and Dinner at BDV (1855 and Bistro du Vin): Strong sweet nose. On the palate, dark fruits, blackberries, and cassis. Firm tannins and full-bodied. Will go well with food.
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7/23/2013 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
With that earthy, textured, Spanish thing. "traditional" in style. And very good.
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7/1/2013 - jeremypjoseph wrote: 93 Points
Oaky, smokey, cigar box and spice. Plum notes. Good with aeration, best after an hour of breathing
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6/30/2013 - OTTnMIA Likes this wine: 88 Points
Enjoyed this alongside a tomato and beef dish and the Spain/Brazil Confederations Cup final. Few wines are as reliable as Muga; always solid, always enjoyable, always affordable (even on wine lists). Modern-style Rioja, fruit was a bit pruned, lots of oak. Wasn't as blown away as some of the tasters below, but I have yet to cork a bottle of Muga that I didn't enjoy to the last glass.
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6/18/2013 - vlzat wrote: 88 Points
Medium to full body, dark ruby red, aromatic, cherry and blackberry, tobacco, leather, smoked wood and species aroma, black currants, pepper, species, vanilla, oaky, minerals on the palate, juicy on finish, long finish, bold, rich, satiated, juicy, well balanced, complex, nice acidity, highly tannic now – need time for integration. Well associated with chicken and grilled vegetables or fat white cheeses or chicken liver or paella. Serve to 18º - 22º, open two hours in advance. Enjoyable now but (very tannic) need two years cellaring in bottle. Drink from 2015 during five/seven years.
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6/4/2013 - Ken332 wrote: 90 Points
Double decanted and served after about 45 minutes. Full nose of blackberries and plums, with blackberries persisting into the initial taste and mid-range with medium intensity flavors, round but noticeable tanins in the finish, good acidity, and a good length. Wine should improve over 2-3 years and very similar flavor profile to the 2006 and 2007 Mugas. Served with grilled minute steaks.
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5/31/2013 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 92 Points
Outstanding wine and a buy every vintage. Sour cherry, minerals, spices and leather. This is a complex wine and the right amount of acidity. Medium finish and a six pack buy for sure.
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5/29/2013 - affordableCollector wrote: 90 Points
dark red in color. plum, floral, spice, dark fruit, on the nose. plum, blackberry, spice, chocolate, oak, on the palate. medium acid and tannins on the finish.
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5/26/2013 - Noeyedeer Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nicely balanced, it isn't over oaked neither is it too tannic. Deep ruby colour and quite spicey, but overall a bit short of being a stellar performer.
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5/5/2013 - tantotinto wrote: 89 Points
Tasted immediately after opening. Earth, cherry and cinnamon nose. Soft cherry fruit, oak and spice flavor. Nice fruit. Noticeable yet not overly obtrusive tannins. Very good and an excellent match this evening with tortilla soup.
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4/30/2013 - henrygjeffreys wrote:
spicy nose, oak
dense, rich dark fruit, quite big
good balance, full-bodied
modern style
powerful will age well, i'm sure but too young now
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4/21/2013 - christhewino Likes this wine: 90 Points
Lovely aromas of dark fruits and vanilla oak with a touch of spice. The palate is smooth but woody and has a really lovely fresh cherry flavour. Well rounded, smooth and with an excellent length to the finish. Good value at £14.
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4/16/2013 - Bill Bucklew wrote: 88 Points
Quick note, PnP'd, bright red fruit nose with notes of mulled spices and vanilla. Acidic and bright red fruit on the palate with red and black cherry, Asian spice and stewed tomato.
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4/16/2013 - Nutty08 wrote: 89 Points
Needed an hour to open up. Beautiful dark crimson color. Reserved nose, slightly vegetal nose, with smoke. Tight tannic palate, with some licorice, spice, and green herbal note. Slightly drying bitter tannins on the back end. Well built, but could use some time. Disjointed at this point.
On night 2 smoothed out and was more typical of tempranillo. Smoky, red fruit, still reserved and tannic. Needs some time.
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4/7/2013 - Biggsy wrote: 86 Points
Ripe powerful blackcurrant nose with undertones of leather and toasty oak. Young and grippy, quite a dense ball of flavour with lots of black pepper spice. Feels like there is something good underneath but it's very tight at the moment.
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4/4/2013 - yofog wrote: 85 Points
Second bottle opened after the first was corked, this was cleanish, but quite musty. With air, some of the mustiness blew off, but it was still pretty dull wine with a bitter, awkward finish. Big disappointment.
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4/4/2013 - yofog wrote: flawed
Corked, big time.
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3/26/2013 - wiscgrad wrote: 90 Points
really nice tempranillo
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3/17/2013 - 312 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Dark purple. Nose was tight but included dark cherry. Medium body, dry with pronounced tannins. Notes of dark berry and spice. Medium finish. Good QPR (bought for $20 @ Costco). Would buy again.
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3/12/2013 - DavidDay Likes this wine: 89 Points
Dark cherry and cassis on the nose. The palate has with blackberry, raspberry, with ample tannins and wood. This wine seemed better with food, than by it self.
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3/8/2013 - @VisserMartijn wrote: 86 Points
APPEARANCE: clear; medium ruby; medium legs & tears
NOSE: clean; medium intensity; flavors: dark fruits (blackberry, black cherry), red cherry, sweet spices (notable vanilla), forest floor
PALATE:dry, high acidity; medium body; medium+ alcohol; medium tannin; medium+ finish (alcohol); medium flavor intensity; flavors: as per nose, but a bit vegetal. Slightly vegetal.
READINESS FOR DRINKING: Can drink now but has potential for further aging
FURTHER REMARKS: an good robust Rioja, but a bit austere and bitter at the moment, but should improve.
Shows better 2nd day, not bitter anymore, higher tannin perception. Score 89.
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3/7/2013 - knothoef wrote: 87 Points
sandelwood, nutty, pepper, dried fruit. smoothed out tannins.
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2/28/2013 - willthethrill Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really a tough one. Perhaps more balanced than the 76, but less marked tannin. Similar silky red-brown color.
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2/22/2013 - Coollawyer wrote: 92 Points
This is a very lovely ruby colored wine with a lovely deep red colour. The nose has very nice rose scent and is rather aromatic with some hints of vanilla. This is a very nice and elegant wine with lovely shades of red cherries pepper flint with a metallic slightly licorice finish.
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2/17/2013 - Jobu wrote: 92 Points
Nice Rioja. Cherries, raspberries, and oaky vanilla flavors. Might benefit from a bit more age.
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2/17/2013 - Tpairing wrote: 90 Points
Cherry, dark chocolate with a hint of vanilla. Great food partner - eaten with goat stew and pork riblets.
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2/16/2013 - jbouchy wrote: 89 Points
Earthy nose and Cherries on the palate. Nice acidity and tannins. Short finish at first but came alive with spicy tacos. Full bodied and nice structure with food. A solid effort.
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2/10/2013 - Herschel Krustofski Likes this wine: 90 Points
Half decanted 1 hour (the other half kept for the following day) and a sample tasted immediately.
Initial impressions - Nice typical nose; promising? More restraint palate than the nose suggests. Rather dry finish. A little sour with orange hints.
After 1 hour, it mellows and evolves a bit but not getting any brighter.
I was hoping for something more balanced with brighter fruit (presumably the top cuvee wasn't produced in 2008 so this Reserva should include some Muga's best grapes). It is not bad for the vintage and for the price, but I don't think it provides amazing value. While this Reserva is approachable now, I suspect it needs a few more years to reach its peak. It would be interesting to try it again 2015-2018.
On the next day it is actually quite nice (with just 15 minutes of additional breathing). Seems to get its act together. Give it more time.
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2/9/2013 - KikeG wrote: 90 Points
Very good wine for the $. MProbst described this very well.
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2/2/2013 - docvin1107 wrote: 88 Points
The first day it was a little to oaky to my taste, but it was better integrated the 2nd day. I will let the remaining bottles rest a couple of years. 88+
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2/1/2013 - csillabu Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped and poured. This wine is ready to drink now, and is quite enjoyable on its own, or paired with steak. Well balanced, start to finish, with classic Rioja characteristics that are a great example of the varietal. Looking forward to having a few more bottles of this wine over the next couple of years.
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2/1/2013 - campfour wrote: 92 Points
(70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha, 7% mazuelo and 3% graciano, fermented in oak vats and raised in oak barrels for 24 months): Vivid ruby. Heady, exotic aromas of candied dark berries, vanilla, cola and dark chocolate, with a slow-building floral quality. The palate offers sweet cherry-vanilla and licorice flavors, along with notes of rose pastille and bitter chocolate. Finishes sweet and long, with silky tannins adding shape and gentle grip. This is the only red wine that Muga bottled this vintage so all of the Prado Enea fruit went in here.
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1/29/2013 - MProbst Likes this wine: 90 Points
Aromas of ripe strawberries and plums. Red berry flavors with good acidity, soft oak and a hint Of earthiness.
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1/20/2013 - heidoanddave Likes this wine: 90 Points
Excellent QPR. Silky smooth with no tannins. Dried cherries.
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1/12/2013 - Sid_Mac Likes this wine: 88 Points
For an unfiltered wine, I saw no sediment when I decanted. Dry, full-bodied. I would buy it again.
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1/12/2013 - Isdaddy wrote: 90 Points
Medium bodied. Nice up front cherry. Very restrained tannins with nice acidity for food. Didn't pick up the earthy flavors that have been a hallmark of many Rioja's I have tasted. Enjoyable.
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1/6/2013 - jpleedy wrote: 89 Points
Beautiful purple with more of a brick undertone than expected for a 4-5 year old bottle. Bright fruit on the nose including bing cherry, which carries through on a long finish. Definitely an old world wine and starts off a little rough around the edges, but it has the backbone to make it worthwhile. Reasonably smooth tannins indicate this wine will be nice for 4-5 more years. Probably not going to be a favorite among napa cab lovers, but after 20 minutes in the glass, the edges rounded off and it was a really nice wine. No masking of anything with tons of vanilla oak. Just an honest red.
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12/27/2012 - Henrycastro wrote: 90 Points
Sweet vanilla oak on the nose. Good extraction may be too much for some A bit bitter on the palate but I like the bite!
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12/9/2012 - DoubleMagnum wrote: 88 Points
Very dark. Nose is oaky. Very concentrated and somewhat over extracted, a bit bitter. This Muga is a bit too modern for my taste. Finish is mid-length.
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12/1/2012 - chcook wrote:
Restaurant purchase so no detail. Heavy oak was hard to get past. Also had what I think was a dose of Brett. At first thought it was corked but the fruit was intact underneath all of this. Either way not a fan
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11/30/2012 - scheune wrote: 91 Points
schoener Rioja , noch jung mit viel Säure, die aber zum essen oder langem Dekantieren besser eingebunden ist. Mittellanger Abgang. dezentes Holz.
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11/20/2012 - dannyg wrote: 92 Points
A really nice ripe cherries, medium tannic wine that is not upfront in the face. Light ot medium body and pleasant 10-sec finish, not gripping.
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11/15/2012 - csillabu Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tobacco, chocolate, dark berries, medium bodied, medium-long balanced tannic finish. An excellent Rioja!
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11/14/2012 - Bogboy wrote: 87 Points
Great nose. Good acidity. Very dry - drier than we're used to in a rioja. Like a Spanish version of a Barolo -elegant, sophisticated - but maybe an acquired taste. Interesting - probably would not get again.
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11/13/2012 - adbegando wrote: 89 Points
Phenomenal Rioja
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9/30/2012 - wayne47 wrote:
$20 at Costco. Outstanding deal for a nice wine. We enjoyed this vintage more than the 2007 though that was very nice as well. Needs some time to age but we're going to grab a case and cellar it for a while.
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9/28/2012 - hedde5 wrote: 93 Points
Utmerket vin, god fylde og smak. Verdt å kjøpe igjen.
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9/1/2012 - j30 wrote: 88 Points
Complex nose of plum, vanilla, cinnemon, liquorice and a touch of olive. Palate is mostly black fruit with spices followed by a espresso like finish. Oak is a bit too strong. Otherwise a balanced, flavorful wine.
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8/10/2012 - Barolo Raymond wrote: 89 Points
Medium(+) ruby, narrow slow-moving tainted legs. Medium developing aromas of red fruits, cherries, vaniilla, leather. Dry, medium acidity, medium alcohol, tannins and body. Full of red fruit flavours with dried plum/cocoa notes. Crunchy texture, good balance. Medium dry finish with integrated tannins, supported by the fruit acidity. With beef shank stew.
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6/25/2012 - ravil wrote: 88 Points
Perhaps it gets better in a few years
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6/23/2012 - johnh1001 wrote: 90 Points
Tasted at the winery. Strong mocha nose. Smooth on the palate with muted red fruit. Probably will come out with more time. Tannin is present. Shortish finish. A few more years will help.
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