2004 Muga Seleccion Especial Reserva, Rioja

[wondersofwine]

Jorge Ordonez selection or import.
14% abv
I don't remember when this was purchased or what I paid for it.
Deeply colored--dark opaque purple. Nose suggests dark fruits and leather. Dark berry flavors coincide with soft tannins. There is also a slight savory note. It's approachable now but I'm unqualified to say how long it will live or whether it will improve. I find it pleasing now and would not be tempted to lay it down for a long time. From past tastings, I prefer Muga that is not heavily oaked and this is in the light oak category.

[TheEngineer]

I've not normally sprung for the more expensive Especial Reserva (ususally 50%-75% more). Is it worth the difference than the standard bottle? I've never tried as I've been pretty happy with the $20 version.

[wondersofwine]

I don't have enough experience with the regular bottling to say. With Heredad de Baroja the seleccion especial was the cheaper wine and then it goes up to the reserva and the gran reserva.

[TheEngineer]

Ahh, you are right, I got it backwards.

[dananne]

If you prefer the more traditional style of Rioja, stick with the plain, ole Muga Reservas. They're a real steal at $18-$20, and they'll typically age wonderfully. I very much prefer them to the newer, "internationally-styled" Seleccion Especials. That said, I've never had a bad Muga wine.