Weekly Wine Review - Spanish Red - 2009 Muga Rioja Selección Especial

This wine has long been one of my favorite Rioja wines. We have not tried any of this lately, so decided to see how the 2009 compared to past vintages. This wine is considered a "Reserva" level by Spanish law, however Muga makes another "Reserva" wine, that while usually quite tasty - is not this "Selección Especial."

Wine: 2009 Muga Rioja Selección Especial

Region: Rioja, Spain
Grape Varieties: Tempranillo

Obtained from: Purchased at Total Wine & More

Price: $35

Wino4Life Category: Weekend Wine

Aeration before tasting: Just a swirl or two, no special aeration.

Cork Condition: Natural cork - no defects or issues.

Appearance: Dark purple in color with a pink rim.

Aroma: Beauty! Black cherry, black licorice, smoke - quite powerful.

Taste: Score! Very nicely balanced, a nice level of acidity, and a wonderful finish. 

The Grade: I give this one an A+ This wine still holds one of my top spots for Spanish wines, absolutely delicious.  This wine's acidity makes it a very versatile wine for food pairing. Also excellent just to sip...delicioso!