Bodegas Muriel Rioja Reserva 2004, Spain
From Rioja Alavesa, the most northerly part of Rioja where the vineyards sit close to the Cantabrian mountains and where wines tend to be a little fresher than further south. This Reserva was aged for 24 months in French and Amrican oak, and has a very appealing mocha and vanilla nose, with a plush plummy fruit quality, but also a savoury, gamey edge that is inviting. On the palate there’s plenty more of that chocolate and vanilla smoothness, but the deep-set fruit is plush and mouthfilling in a modern style. The edge of juicy cherry and fine tannins make this an adaptable, delicious and food-friendly wine. Food matching tips in the video. 9.99, Majestic, but buy two at 6.99 each until end January 2011.
