Grand Cru Wine Merchants

(70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha and 10% mazuelo and graciano, aged in a blend of 60% French and 40% American oak, all new) Glass-staining ruby. Exotic, oak-spiced red berry and cherry aromas, with hints of mocha and rose. Round and seamless in texture, offering sweet raspberry and cassis flavors, with a touch of bitter chocolate. Supple tannins sneak in on the finish, which features notes of ripe dark fruit and baking spices. Drinks very well right now. -91pts IWC (JR)

Muga’s red wines begin with the 2006 Muga Reserva, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, with the balance Mazuelo and Graciano. It was aged for 6 months in wooden vats before spending 2 years in 60% new French and American oak. Purple-colored with an already complex bouquet of pain grille, mineral, violets, black cherry, and blackberry, on the palate it is smooth-textured, layered, and concentrated. It conceals enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years and will offer optimal drinking from 2012 to 2026. It is an excellent value in serious Rioja. -91pts WA (JM)