The Soul of Wine: Tempranillo

Friday, October 17, 2014

Muga - Reserva
Rioja
2009

Carignan, Graciano, Grenache Noir, Tempranillo

14,00%
0,75l

I tasted this after a nice evening of Sauna and practicing Bach...
This is a Rioja - Reserva I haven`t tasted before. I might be wrong because I could have tasted it in some wine tasting long ago in Berlin, but nevertheless not this vintage, so a new Wine for me...
Appearance is very dark, one of the most opaque wines I `ve seen in a while.
In the nose there are some ink, oak, orange peel, leather and spicyness.
Suprisingly "jumpy" wine, with very firm and tight tannins, and some accidity..
Lush and velvety mouth feel.
Chocolate, spices, oak, earthyness, but still nicely concentrated dark fruits,
and as the wine breathed, it became more chocolaty, and fruit driven.
Nice, medium to long aftertaste.
Youthfull wine still, needs some decanting to develop a balance..

Great Rioja! Will definitely buy some more..
92

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Baron de Ley - Reserva 2009

Baron de Ley - Reserva
Rioja
2009
100% Tempranillo
13,5%
0,75l

I live part time in Berlin and there wine bars offer a fantastic selection of quality Rioja`s, and other Spanish wines. That`s also were I`ve learned to like them. I`m generally not so fond of too oaked style, and I gravitate more towards traditional wines, but Rioja`s are some of my exceptions in this matter.
This one I haven`t tasted before, although I have heard many recommendations, and finally decided to try it out..
Color is quite dark, rubin red.
Nose is a classic Rioja: oak, leather, tobacco leaves, ripe dark fruits, actually I was surprised how fruity and sweet the smell was. In the background there is also some spices; cumin, anis. Very nice nose indeed.
The first taste is almost jammy, lot of ripe plums, really leaning towards New World. But although the initial taste is jammy and "fruitbomb like" its not artifical at all, it`s on the contrary very appealing. All is surrounded with strong, but not overpowering, oak, and with a nice earthyness. Also in the taste there are some spices, cumin, anis, and even some black pepper. The alcohol at the end is present, no Good Rioja with power and some rough edges, but still well structured and delicious.
90