2019 Bodegas Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva Tempranillo Rioja

The 2019 Prado Enea Gran Reserva is their more traditional Rioja, a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, mostly from Rioja Alta (Sajazarra, Cellorigo and Fonzaleche) at 550 to 700 meters in altitude, but the Garnacha is from different plots in the zone of Tudelilla at a high altitude. They didn't produce Prado Enea in 2017 or 2018, so this is the follow-up of the superb 2016. The bunches were harvested into 200-kilogram boxes, destemmed, put through optical sorting and fermented in small oak casks with indigenous yeasts. The élevage in barrel was extended to 36 months. The nose is phenomenal, keeping the essence of Muga with a touch of Garnacha perfume; it's still young and undeveloped for its age, not yet tertiary. The wine is full-bodied but fine-boned and has 14.7% alcohol, a pH of 3.46 and 5.81 grams per liter acidity. Still young, the wine has power and elegance and very good aging potential. 119,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2023. The next vintages will be 2021 and 2022, and after that perhaps 2025, but certainly no 2023 or 2024 wine. ~97 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

~97 Tim Atkin, Master of Wine

Since the 2016 vintage, and with no wine made in 2017 or 2018, the 2019 Prado Enea Gran Reserva marks the first release, blending Tempranillo with Garnacha and Graciano from high-elevation vineyards in the western reaches of Rioja Alta. Up to 31 months in cask followed, with 80% French oak and 20% American. Layered aromatics of blackberry, plum and elderberry are framed by delicate herbal tones, cedar and a hint of coconut from the élevage. As it opens, the bouquet gains complexity and reveals subtle spice and sweet oak nuances. On the palate, notable energy and clarity of fruit are supported by fine-grained tannins and a juicy core that carries the flavors effortlessly through the finish. Gentle notes of coconut and caramel linger in the background, adding depth without overshadowing the fruit. Structured yet vibrant, this vintage captures the classical balance of Prado Enea, power moderated by freshness and length. Beautifully composed, this Rioja should age gracefully for decades. ~96 Vinous Media

This statuesque red shows fine balance, with its firm core of sculpted tannins married to a plush texture that supports a generous range of crushed black cherry and black raspberry fruit and notes of sweet tobacco, iron, olive tapenade, vanilla and paprika. Graceful, fresh and focused through the lasting finish. Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha. ~94 Wine Spectator