2004 Prado Enea, Gran Reserva, Bodegas Muga, Rioja

Along with 2001, 2004 is proving itself as a great recent Rioja vintage, an excellent backdrop for the famous Prado Enea Gran Reserva. Made from 80% Tempranillo, 7% of both Garnacha and Mazuelo and 6% Graciano, the wine has already enjoyed 12 months in vat, three years in barrel and another 36 months in bottle, bringing us pretty much up to date. Garnet to blood red of hue, the wine is savoury, fat and indulgent, with a whiff of gentle decay which is far from unattractive, drawing the taster into a den of tobacco and leathery sapidity. The wine finishes strongly with firm acidity and a baroque crescendo.

Simon Field MW, Fine Wine Buyer