($22) Moderately saturated medium red. Subdued but pure aromas of cherry, raspberry, minerals, leather and tobacco. A classic Rioja: dense but light on its feet, with aromatic flavors of strawberry and cherry framed by harmonious acidity. This offers subtle fruit and excellent mouth coverage. Quite young but already smooth. Finishes with sweet tannins, very firm backbone and lovely persistence. A terrific vintage for this wine, and a great Rioja value.

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Readers should be purchasing the 2001 Muga Reserva by the case. It is a stunning, unfiltered Rioja made from 70% Tempranillo, 20% Grenache, and the rest Mazuelo and Graciano. A big, rich bouquet of raspberries, cherries, graphite, and tobacco leaves is accompanied by abundant fruit, an expansive, medium to full-bodied palate, elegant, lush flavors, sweet tannin, and hints of cedar and white chocolate. This beautiful Rioja should drink well for a decade.

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