The new luxury Rioja, the 1995 Torre Muga Reserva Especial (75% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, and 10% Graciano), was kept 22 months in large American oak vats and then moved to 100% new French oak for 16 months. There are approximately 5,000 cases of this gorgeous Rioja, which has managed to endure significant oak aging, yet retain remarkable levels of fruit, complexity, and richness. The Lafite-Rothschild of Rioja, it offers elegant, spicy, cedary, black cherry, mineral, and toasty aromas. Medium to full-bodied, with harmony among its component parts, this is a wine of exceptional grace, richness, length, and overall symmetry. It can be drunk now, but promises to improve for 12-20 years. Impressive! Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

The 1995 Torre Muga is dark ruby-colored. Dense on the palate with plenty of layered fruit as well as a firm structure, it is nearing its peak where it should remain for another 10-12 years. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767