Muga ARO 2019, Rioja Spain

Muga Aro is a fine wine made from 60-year-old vines, consisting of 70% Tempranillo and 30% Graciano. The wine undergoes natural fermentation and is aged for 24 months, 18 of which are in new French oak barrels. It presents a deep dark red hue and an intense aroma of blackcurrant, olive, mocha, truffle, earth, herbs and cocoa. The taste is powerful, deep and elegant with a fresh and mineral character. Aro is only made in the best vintages and is considered one of Spain's finest wines. It can be enjoyed young after a few hours in a carafe or stored for up to 20 years. Serve at 15-16 degrees with lamb, game or beef.

The wine has an intense black cherry colour with purple tones and is almost opaque. The nose is concentrated and deep with notes of red fruit, wild berries and black pepper. On the palate it is full-bodied with firm tannins and a balanced acidity, rich in fruit, minerals and spices. The finish is long, full-bodied and elegant.

100 points - James Suckling, July 2019: "I'm speechless about this wine. It's so deep and vertical with a fantastic texture of super polished tannins and juicy acidity. Full body. Yet it's supple. Blackberries, black olives, chocolate, stone, cement and dried rosemary. A crazy wine. A blend of tempranillo and graciano. Release late 2019. Better in 2024, but so great to taste young."

Muga