($30, Quintessential Wines): One of the great things about Rioja is their tradition of aging wine at the winery and then releasing it when it’s mature.  Regulations require a Gran Reserva, which are made only in the best vintages, to be aged for a minimum of five years before release.  Muriel has opted to age theirs longer.  Their 2001, from a great vintage in Rioja, is the current release.  This is a rare opportunity for those without a big bank account or a deep cellar to experience the near magical transformation of bright ripe fruity flavors of young wines to the savory non-fruit nuances that emerge with aging.   In addition to the transformation of flavors, aging has softened the tannins that can impart astringency when the wine is young imparting suaveness to the wine. Uncork a bottle of this beauty with something simple, such as a simply grilled steak, to savor the plethora of flavors that emerge from the glass.
92 Michael Apstein Dec 9, 2014