Muga Torre Muga 2010

The 2010 Torre Muga, was one of the first new-wave Riojas and it has already demonstrated that it ages in a classical style (first vintage was 1991), but winemaking has gained much in precision since that first vintage, the different varieties are picked and fermented separately and you can feel a much more compact and balanced wine in recent vintages, with more subtle and better integrated oak. It is sourced from the oldest family vineyards blending 70% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano and 10% Mazuelo, picked and fermented separately in 2,000- and 8,000-liter oak vats, blended after malolactic and aged in new French oak barrels for 16 months. It's quite dark, opaque and surprisingly aromatic (because I expected it to be closed and hard as nails) with notes of flowers, ripe fruit and some lactic, smoky and spicy tones from the French barrels. It's a structured wine, with slightly dusty tannins, pungent and clean acidity, great balance, combining power and elegance. 40,000 bottles produced. It's still a baby that will require a couple of years to show its true face and will age into a beautiful Rioja. Drink 2016-2030. Score - 95. (Luis Gutiérrez, robertparker.com, Dec. 29, 2013)