Ex Château: Top Rioja

2004 was a fantastic year for Rioja, with abudant rain and snow during the winter months ensuring there was ample water throughout the growing season. A perfect end to the summer with warm dry weather in September gave way to perfect conditions for harvest, resulting in one of the best vintages of the 21st century. Muga have released a limited number of bottles of their 2004 Reserva exclusively for The Wine Society Members, currently lying in their cellars, which will be shipped to order in 2026. Drink this year to 2031. 14%

Jorge Muga made a beautifully refined reserva in 2005 which is a showcase for the elegant style of this delicious vintage. This is a classic Rioja blend of tempranillo (70%), garnacha (20%) with mazuelo and graciano. The 2005 saw six months in traditional Riojan oak vats then 24 months in small oak barrels (60% American, 40% French) followed by 12 months in bottle. Muga have released a limited number of bottles of their 2005 Reserva exclusively for The Wine Society Members, currently lying in their cellars, which will be shipped to order in 2026. Drink from this year to 2031. 13.5%

Muga was founded in 1932, and stands in El barrio de la estación, the railway quarter, in Haro. Today Jorge Muga looks after the vineyards and the winemaking. He makes fine and elegant wines including this superb Gran Reserva made from grapes from mountain vineyards. This is one of the greatest traditionally framed Riojas and it is made from 80% tempranillo and 20% garnacha, mazuelo and graciano. It was aged 36 months in barricas. Understated but intensely flavoured wine ideal with shoulder of lamb. Muga have released a limited number of bottles of their Prado Enea 2005 exclusively for The Wine Society Members, currently lying in their cellars, which will be shipped to order in 2026.

Based in the old railway quarter of Haro, Muga is a fine old bodega, with its own cooperage. The new generation at the helm, led by winemaker Jorge Muga, has much improved the quality here. Indeed we believe Muga is making some of the very best Rioja available today. This ripe, richly flavoured reserva is made from 70% tempranillo, 20% garnacha and 10% mazuelo and graciano. 60% US oak, 40% French oak. Muga have released a limited number of bottles of their 2006 Reserva exclusively for The Wine Society Members, currently lying in their cellars, which will be shipped to order in 2026. Drink this year to 2031. 14%

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