Muga Reserva Rioja 2022
The Wine
'The 2022 harvest, which was hot in character with early ripening, produced a wine with great aromatic intensity. A wine with a marked fruity profile, with clean aromas and delicate reminders of the undergrowth. The ageing is very well integrated, enhancing the freshness and complexity. On the palate it is well-balanced, with firm but silky tannins, good structure and a long finish. It stands out for its perfectly balanced acidity and soft tannins. Perfect for enjoying now, but again thanks to its great balance and structure, it can remain in the bottle for several years.' MUGA
93 Pts James Suckling 'Chocolate, dark fruit and spices with pinecone. Medium- to full-bodied, succulent, with polished tannins, length and definition on the finish. This comes from various plots planted within a radius of 25 km from the winery. A blend of tempranillo, garnacha, mazuelo and graciano. Drink or hold.'
93 Pts Wine Advocate 'The 2022 Reserva, sold as Crianza in Spain, has more tertiary notes than other people's Gran Reserva, even though it has a very classical profile. It is mostly Tempranillo with some Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo and Graciano from vineyards no more than 25 kilometers from the winery in Haro, cropped from a warm and dry year. Here, what they did was wait; it rained a little, the plants unblocked and they had the patience to wait for the grapes to ripen fully. So, the grapes were in a very healthy state, and winemaker Isaac Muga likes to ferment the grapes destemmed and lightly crushed in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and then mature the wine in 90% French and 10% American oak barrels for 22 months, with racking every eight to nine months. It has good ripeness, 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.59 and 5.45 grams of acidity, and it's medium- to full bodied, concentrated but sleek and polished, with fine-grained tannins, very supple flavors and a chalky finish. It still has some toasty notes in the finish that should integrate with a little bit more time. 945,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2025....'
92 Pts Wine Spectator 'A sleek red, with flavors of black cherry and cured tobacco, plus accents of anise, smoked paprika and espresso, all trimmed nicely by refined, chalky tannins. This is enjoyable today but shows the stuffing for cellaring. Tempranillo and Garnacha.'
91 Pts Vinous 'The 2022 Reserva was aged 24 months in casks made in Muga's own cooperage (80% French oak, 20% American) and blends Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. On the nose, fine oak tones of cedar, sandalwood and subtle spice frame red and black fruit with balsamic hints. The palate is dry and juicy, with fine, reactive tannins that lend a slightly compact structure. Fruit and gentle grip echo through the finish.'
The Details
Variety - Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano
Country - Spain
Region - Rioja
Extra - Cork
Year - 2022
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
Founded in Haro in 1932 and still under family ownership, the company cultivates 250 hectares in La Rioja Alta and has long-standing contracts the owners of an additional150 hectares. Situated in the foothills of the Montes Oenes, the five principal vineyards (El Estepal, La Loma, Blatracones, La Loma, and Sajazar) share clay and limestone, each with its own unique microclimate, influenced by the convergence of continental, Mediterranean, Atlantic influences.
