Bodegas Muga is a family-owned Spanish winery founded in 1932 and based in Haro in the Rioja region. The vineyards are located on the foot of the Montes Obarenses within Rioja Alta and benefit from Mediterranean, Atlantic and Continental climatic influences.

Bodegas Muga owns 620 acres of vineyards but also has control over 370 acres owned by vine growers in the area. The soil is mostly clay and limestone divided into small terroirs, each with its own unique and defined personality. The grape varieties are Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano for the red wines, Viura (Macabeo) and Malvasia for the whites.

Bodegas Muga has four fermentation rooms containing 90 wooden casks with capacities ranging from three thousand to fifteen thousand kilos. This enables them to make different wines depending on the fruit quality and the vineyards they come from. Traditional methods are followed, using oak throughout all the wine-making process (fermentation, aging and storage). Bodegas Muga is one of the very few Spanish wineries that employ three coopers plus a "cubero" (who specializes in the big casks). Fining (clarification) is done using traditional egg whites in oak containers with capacity for 17,500 liters.

The 2016 Muga Torre Muga is a remarkable red wine hailing from the prestigious Rioja region in Spain. This proprietary blend showcases the expertise and craftsmanship of the renowned producer, Muga. With its deep and captivating red color, this wine immediately captures the eye and hints at the richness that awaits.

On the nose, the Muga Torre Muga reveals a symphony of aromas. Intense blackberries, graphite, and charcoal dance together, creating a captivating bouquet. The purity of fruit is truly intriguing, drawing you in with every sniff. As you delve deeper, subtle notes of asphalt and blue fruit emerge, adding complexity and depth.

This full-bodied wine radiates intense fruit flavors that are perfectly complemented by polished tannins. The palate is a harmonious blend of ripe currant, fig, cocoa, loamy earth, and tar. The wine's concentration and power are evident, yet it remains balanced and elegant. The oak presence is skillfully integrated, adding a touch of complexity without overpowering the wine.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 2016 Muga Torre Muga an impressive 96 points, praising its approachability, balance, and freshness. James Suckling, another esteemed critic, awarded it a stunning 98 points, highlighting its racy nature and recommending a few more years of bottle aging.

This bold and assertive red is a true testament to the modern style of winemaking. It impresses with its muscular tannins and thick texture, while still maintaining harmony and finesse. Wine Spectator awarded it 95 points, noting its concentrated and harmonious nature.

The 2016 Muga Torre Muga is a wine that promises a long and beautiful evolution. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it an exceptional 99 points, describing it as a thrilling bottle of Rioja that will continue to evolve for 20-30 years or more. Tim Atkin MW also praised its age-worthiness, suggesting an optimal drinking window of 2022-35.

In conclusion, the 2016 Muga Torre Muga is a truly exceptional wine that showcases the best of Rioja. Its impeccable balance, concentrated flavors, and impressive aging potential make it a must-have for any wine enthusiast. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is sure to leave a lasting impression.