New, Notable, Not Much of It
2004 and 2005 Muga Rioja Reserva

Peter writes,
If I had to name one favorite Rioja farm, it would be the Muga estate in Haro. The winery has a long and noble history with vineyards are in prime Rioja Alta locations. Those of you who are familiar with these wines know just how special they are.
Both 2004 and 2005 were exceptional vintages in northern Spain. Both of these wines show the Muga trademark bright fruit, layered complexity, and spice.

2004 Muga Rioja Reserva: Deep ruby. Blackberry, cherry aromas with hints of pencil lead and mineral notes. Rich, layered and textured fruit and spice. Long, elegant finish. Very Good to Excellent 34.99/bottle 31.49/mixed case 29.75/case

2005 Muga Rioja Reserva: Bright pure ruby. Red berry aromas with spicy oak and hints of mocha. Deep. intense flavors with an elegant, persistent finish. Very Good to Excellent 34.99/bottle 31.49/mixed case 29.75/case

2005 Guigal La Mouline, la Landonne, La Turque $435 ea per bottle

Great Deals
Mature 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Under $25

Some things are just too good to pass up. An importer had too much of a top cuvee from a very good vintage that is just entering its plateau of fragrant maturity. What more could you want?
How about less than $25 a bottle for a heady ripe Chateauneuf? Order a case , that’s what you’ll have.

2001 Marchand Chateauneuf du Pape Clos des Pontifes; Color: brownish red black; Aroma: spicy heady very rich, clean, light, heady, vigorous, then develops a lovely mature bouquet of pepper, leather & brown sugar; Mouth: clean light in entry, rounded, smooth, a touch of nicely crisp, exotic citrus and plum, clean smooth spicy, very rich; Very Good Plus, Plus 29.99; Mixed Case, 26.99; Special Case, $299 (24.91)