Bodegas Muga 2014 Prado Enea, Rioja Gran Reserva

Bodegas Muga is one of the oldest and most traditional producers in Rioja. Prado Enea is their flagship Gran Reserva, only produced in the best vintages. This 2014 is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 20% Grenache, Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano. The Prado Enea crop is always the last to be brought into the winery and is selected from plots located in the area of Villalba de Rioja, on the south-facing slope of the Montes Obarenes, a recognized high-quality terroir.

The grapes are fermented in large oak vats without temperature control or addition of yeasts. The period of maceration is 16 to 20 days. The wine then ages for 12 months in large vats made of American oak, followed by at least 36 months in mainly French oak barrels. At the end of the ageing period, the wine is lightly fined with fresh egg whites before being bottled and kept in cellar for at least another 36 months to complete the ageing process.

James Suckling scored this 97 points saying "Really beautiful aromas of crushed blackberry, brambleberry, hazelnut, walnut and light coffee, following through to a full yet so reserved and polished body with fine, creamy-textured tannins. Fresh and exquisite finish. This is a much more refined and harmonic rendition of their classic wine. Drink or hold." Extremely Limited!