2003 Torre Muga Reserva
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Tasting notes
75% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano. Svelte, dense, hard, compact. Ambitious but charmless. (RH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2003 Torre Muga from a torridly hot vintage is a glass-coating opaque purple color. Dense with a roasted character, it has plenty of power but lacks elegance. Nevertheless, it is a solid effort from a difficult vintage. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767
Inky ruby. Impressively fresh aromas don't suggest a hot year: spicy red berries, cherry-vanilla, anise, rose and lavender. Fresh red fruit flavors are brightened by zesty minerality and complicated by suggestions of licorice candy, mocha and floral pastille. A crisp, focused Rioja that finishes with gentle grip and very good length.
Unspecified blend of Garnacha, Graciano and Tempranillo. Very deep crimson. Heady, almost New World nose – very aromatic and luscious. Sweet and yet punchy and lively with more obvious acidity than in most of these wines. A sort of electric shock version of the Muga riojas of old! Essence of Muga… Slightly hard work but certainly attention grabbing. Full marks for effort. (JR)
About the producer
Nestled in the historic town of Haro, at the very heart of Rioja Alta, Bodegas Muga stands as a beacon of tradition and excellence, seamlessly marrying time-honoured winemaking with the finest modern refinements.