The 2001 Muriel Gran Reserva, also from a superb vintage, was aged in French and American oak for 30 months followed by 3 years in bottle prior to release. It offers up a splendid, subtly sexy perfume of Asian spices, leather, incense, a hint of balsamic, and cherry. Elegant and satin-textured, this impeccably balanced, lengthy effort will continue to drink well for another 10 years.
Bodegas Muriel is the third largest landowner in Rioja with all of the following wines produced from 100% Tempranillo. Almost every traditional Rioja producer now feels compelled to make a more fruit-forward, modern-style wine as part of their portfolio.
Importer: Quintessential Wines, Napa, CA; Tel. (707) 226-8300