Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva/2014

Blend

Tempranillo

Geographical Attributes

Hailed as the star red variety in Spain’s most celebrated wine region, Tempranillo from Rioja, or simply labeled, “Rioja,” produces elegant wines with complex notes of red and black fruit, crushed rock, leather, toast and tobacco, whose best examples are fully capable of decades of improvement in the cellar. Rioja wines are typically a blend of fruit from its three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental, although specific sub-region (zonas), village (municipios) and vineyard (viñedo singular) wines can now be labeled. Rioja Alta and Alavesa, at the highest elevations, are considered to be the source of the brightest, most elegant fruit, while grapes from the warmer and drier, Rioja Oriental, produce wines with deep color, great body and richness.

Vintner Notes

This Gran Reserva Prado Enea displays an attractive, deep, dense cherry-red color. The nose is immediately expressive and reveals seductive, complex aromas that are at the same time delicate and elegant. Subtle notes of creamy oak mingle with a wide range of red berry and black forest fruits together with notes of licorice and toast. The entry on the palate is gentle, followed by a medium-body with a silky, fleshy, round texture balanced by lovely freshness. With its ripe, polished tannins and good acidity, this Gran Reserva can be enjoyed today but should age beautifully over several years. This wine pairs well with casseroles, meat dishes, fish and cheese and it can even be enjoyed on its own, without any accompaniment.

Ratings

Wine Spectator 93.Full-bodied, refined and powerful, with a luxurious texture, this red boasts glossy raspberry reduction, cherry and mineral notes, woven together with floral and spice accents and hints of tobacco and tea. Drink now through 2033. James Suckling 97.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. Three years in French oak from their own production. Very enjoyable now, but this will improve with age for a long time.