Muga Aro 2016 Rioja (75cl, 14.5%)

Muga Aro 2016 is a single-vineyard Rioja Alta red from Bodegas Muga, founded in 1932 in Haro. It is 70% Tempranillo and 30% Graciano from a vineyard the family knows intimately, fermented naturally and spontaneously, and produced only in vintages when the Graciano achieves proper ripeness. The nose shows ripe blackberry, dark plum, cured ham, candied violets, baking spice, black olives, dried rosemary and a mineral quality. The palate is dense and full-bodied, with concentrated black cherry, roasted tomato, dark chocolate, leather, clove, charcuterie and exotic spice, supported by firm tannins and splendid acidity. The finish is exceptionally long, with black fruit, espresso, mineral-edged tannin and a silky, savory, slightly smoky aftertaste. Serve at 16–18°C after at least an hour of decanting.