This full-bodied red is powerful yet harmonious, with ripe, well-integrated tannins. The impressive structure carries finely etched flavors of cassis, black olive, mineral and licorice that need time to come to full expression. A modern style, but avoids international clichés. Best after 2008. 2,000 cases imported.

The 2003 Torre Muga is 75% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, and 10% Graciano made in a modern style. The wine spends 22 months in large American oak vats followed by 16 months in new French barriques before being bottled unfiltered. The wine is a saturated purple with fragrant aromas of earth, smoke, vanilla, blueberry, and blackberry jam. On the palate it is tannic and chunky but packed with intense black fruits. There is plenty of pure power but also the lack of breadth due to the searing heat of the vintage.