2015 Muga Torre Muga Spain Red

2015 Muga Torre Muga

98 JD

Featured Review

A magical wine, the 2015 Torre Muga checks in as 80% Tempranillo and the balance a mix of Mazuelo and Graciano (the latter from one of the oldest vineyards in the Rioja Alta region). Its deep purple color is followed by extraordinary notes of blackcurrants, smoked earth, cedarwood, graphite, and flowery incense. Deep, full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, with ultra-fine tannins and no hard edges, it builds incrementally on the palate, has beautiful purity, and is just a heavenly wine. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age but will keep for 2-3 decades. Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck | 98 JD

This is an extremely powerful, confident wine. So young and so complex. Immaculate black cherries, plums and blackberries and deeply integrated, spicy oak that's super fresh. The power and build is staggering. It's so rich and so balanced with seamless plum-flavored tannins. Perfect!

James Suckling | 98 JS

In the end, they also showed me the 2015 Torre Muga, even though the wine had only been in bottle for three months. There were no substantial changes in the way this was made—in provenance of the grape, the fermentation or élevage—even though they fine-tune the use of the oak in every vintage. I don't think I've ever tasted such a young and fruit-driven Torre Muga, and even though it felt a little dizzy from the recent bottling, it had great purity and such a structure and build that it is going to need some time in bottle. But this looks like a better vintage than the 2014. 35,000 bottles produced.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 95 RP

A deep nose of spiced blackberry and balsamic aromas includes notes of lavender, tobacco and warm earth. Flavors of blackberry, cassis, toast, coffee and dark chocolate feed a long finish that hums with power and precision. It's sturdy yet pliable in structure, and could hold up for another 20 years. Drink through 2040.

Wine Enthusiast | 95 WE

Blackberry and currant flavors mingle with espresso, black olive and licorice flavors in this structured red. Balsamic acidity and a firm tannic backbone keep this focused. A bit austere, but harmonious. Drink now through 2030. 3,000 cases made, 230 cases imported.

Wine Spectator | 91 WS

Type of Wine	Spain Red : Spanish wines shouldn't be overlooked under any circumstances, as there are plenty of extraordinary wines coming from this country. There are also lots of grape varietals grown all over Spain. Some of the most gorgeous red varieties are the early-harvested Tempranillo, raspberry-flavored Garnacha, Bobal, Monastrell, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot.
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	Spain : Grapevines have been cultivated on the Iberian Peninsula for thousands of years, making Spain one of the oldest wine producing countries on earth. With nearly 1 million hectares under vine, Spain is in possession of more grapevines that any other nation in the world. Today, vineyard cultivation takes place in virtually every administrative district, making it a leading producer on today’s market. Spain’s vineyards generate an annual wine output of 40.7 million hectoliters, ranking it third in the world behind only France and Italy. Spain is a land of breathtaking beauty, diverse topography, complex cultures and a time honored tradition of viticulture. The country’s broad geographical values play a major role in defining the many wine styles produced. From the cool climes of Galicia and the snow-capped Pyrenees to arid Andalucía in the south, and every region in between the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, Spain boasts one of the most diverse terroirs in the world. The country’s myriad of soils and complex climate systems creates an expansive planting ground for a multitude of varietals. Tempranillo has long played an instrumental role in Spanish winemaking. It is important to note that of the 236,000 hectares being cultivated world-wide, 202,000 are planted in Spain. It is commonly utilized in the production of still red wines from Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro and has taken the world by storm. In the past few decades, wines produced in Rioja have been some of the most popular, and in 2017, wines with a “Rioja” label were the most purchased on the wine market. Bodegas Vega Sicilia, located in Ribera del Duero in northern Spain has been one of the most sought after producers hailing from Spain, and Tinta de Toro (otherwise known as Tempranillo everywhere else) has certainly placed its mark on the region and the world. Spain is also renowned for its production of sweet, raisened Moscatel, fortified Madeira, sparkling Cava and its rising, but shining star, Albarino, which hails from the Rias Baixas appellation of Galicia. Some of the most recognizable names in the world of wine hail from Spain. In the past few decades there has been a collision of New and Old World winemaking; one which has greatly contributed to the continued success of the Spanish wine industry. Modernization of vineyards, facilities and viticulture has greatly improved the significance of Spain in the wine market. Syrah and Merlot have taken root in Spanish wine regions and combined with the indigenous Garnacha (Grenache) Garnacha Blanca (Grenache Blanc), Godello and many others, the country has not only adapted to new styles of winemaking but also the ever changing palate of consumers.
Region	Rioja : Rioja is a Spanish wine region with a lot of tradition behind it, and it's famous as one of Spain's most famous communes when it comes to raw viticultural mastery and dedication. Their reds harness the magnificent potential of grape varietals such as Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha Tinta, and Maturana, whereas the whites are created from mixtures including Garnacha Blanca, Viura, Tempranillo Blanco and Malvasia. With a combination of such powerhouses, it's no wonder that their wines are in high demand among experienced and knowledgeable collectors. A sampling speaks countless words about the flavor bouquet and structure of these masterpieces. Expect to encounter beautiful floral spice notes and a juicy, syrupy combination of fruit that leaves your mouth watering and your tastebuds screaming for more. Cinnamon and tobacco give the wines an intense, sharp approach, rounding out the experience and leaving the bottles balanced and elegant. It's truly a complete experience for your mouth, and the perfume lingers long after you've finished drinking, extending that period of enjoyment all wine enthusiasts are almost addicted to. If you're in the mood for a classic Rioja as soon as possible, or you simply wish to enhance your collection with luxurious and prestigious bottles, we have your needs covered.