2004 Muga Torre Muga Rioja

Saturated ruby. Exotically perfumed, syrah-like bouquet of red and dark berries, violet, smoky bacon and graphite, with a vanillin oak spice undertone adding an exotic touch. Fleshy, palate-staining cassis and bitter cherry flavors are brightened by piquant minerality and firmed by fine-grained tannins. Cracked pepper and mace qualities come up on the long, silky finish. Extremely suave and strikingly complex wine with excellent balance. 95 points