Muga Rioja Reserva 2006

Dark ruby, dense in the glass. Cherry, red plum and toasted oak open things up, with mocha, dried rose and warm spice filling in behind, the French-American oak blend evident but well-judged. Full and smooth across the palate, sweet cassis and raspberry fruit carrying a thread of bitter chocolate through the mid-palate. Tannins arrive softly at the finish, which trails off with dark fruit and gentle spice. Crowd-pleasing Rioja Reserva, but built with care.