This bottle of Muga Reserva 2010 travelled all the way around the world from Rioja Alta to a patio off the far west coast of Canada in Ucluelet, BC.

One day, I will visit Rioja DOC and the Bodegas Muga in Haro, but for now, this is as good as it gets.  And this is pretty good – WSET Good plus.  

The Muga Reserva is 70% Tempranillo, but with 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo and the remainder Graciano.  It’s a medium garnet and has better than average intensity with aromas of boysenberries, raspberries and ripe cherries with vanilla, cedar and mint.  After a little unwinding, it sports leather and sweet tobacco.

On the palate it’s dry with some gorgeously silky tannins.  They’re a little green until the food shows up, but then become unobtrusive with the addition of hors d’oeuvres.  The flavours mimic more of the nose with the addition of strawberry compote, a little black pepper and dried tobacco leaf.

Long and layered, delicious and tangled.  Great with food or on its own.