The 1991 Torre Muga displays an aged appearance. Aromas of herbs and spices lead to a mature, slightly dry offering that seems to be slowly fading. Drink it over the next 5 years. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

This traditional bodega in the Rioja Alta owns 100 acres of vineyards, and supplements the estate-produced fruit with purchased grapes. A new offering, and another of the the super-cuvees to emerge from this region, is the 1991 Torre Muga Reserva Especial. The concept behind this wine is to produce a luxury cuvee of Rioja based on a selection of the finest lots of wine. Aging for 22 months in large American oak vats was followed by 16 months in small new French oak casks. While the price may be high, it is not out of line with the quality of the wine. A blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, and 10% Graciano, the wine boasts a dark garnet color, and an intense, fragrant nose of spicy, toasty, new oak, smoke, black fruits, and minerals. Full-bodied, rich, and powerful, as well as elegant and harmonious, this wine is still youthful despite the fact it is six years old. Give it another 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 15-18 years. It is an unevolved wine, yet quite impressive!Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (617) 461-5767