98 points Tim Atkin, MW: "Aro is the icon wine from the Mugas, with the price tag to match. It's always among the best reds in the region and is world class in a vintage like 2021. Partnering Tempranillo and 30% Graciano, with ageing in new French oak, it's hauntingly perfumed, beautifully balanced and set for a long life. Blackberry, cassis, damson and mocha flavours are supported by very fine tannins and racy minerality. 2028-2040."
97+ points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "I was eager to taste the 2021 Aro, a wine produced only in special years when the Graciano ripens thoroughly, as it represents a significant percentage of the blend here; the other grape used is Tempranillo. The grapes fermented in small oak vats with indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in new French oak barrels for 18 months. This is their most exclusive wine; only 6,194 bottles were produced in 2021. It was bottled in October 2023. The next vintage will be 2022, but it was not made in 2023 or 2024. (02/27/25)."
97 points James Suckling: "Such depth and concentration that absorbs the oak spices. In fact, this is a bit closed now. Some crushed violets, blackberries, incense, dark chocolate and black cherries. Profound, full and very powerful, with stacks of dusty tannins. A lot of potential ahead. Drink from 2027. (8/8/24)"
96 points Wine Spectator: "A rich red, offering depth and focus, with an enticing core of blackberry coulis and plum sauce, plus accents of star anise, wild thyme and ground coffee brightened by mouthwatering acidity and well-meshed, muscular tannins. Long, expressive and harmonious, with pretty floral, spice and mineral aromatics echoing on the finish. Tempranillo and Graciano. Drink now through 2045. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Only 50 cases importer. (02/19/25)."
96 points JoaquÃn Hidalgo (Vinous): "The 2021 Aro, 70% Tempranillo and 30% Graciano from the calcareous clay soils of Rioja Alta, was aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. It begins with a cleansing note followed by ripe black and red fruit, plum, menthol and mild undergrowth, with the oak adding understated toffee and spice tones. Creamy and full-bodied with a compact flow and a lengthy finish shaped by firm tannins and lingering oak flavors, this is bold and modern in structure, but remains rooted in Rioja’s depth of expression. Drink 2028-2050. (05/25)."
97+ points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "I was eager to taste the 2021 Aro, a wine produced only in special years when the Graciano ripens thoroughly, as it represents a significant percentage of the blend here; the other grape used is Tempranillo. The grapes fermented in small oak vats with indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in new French oak barrels for 18 months. This is their most exclusive wine; only 6,194 bottles were produced in 2021. It was bottled in October 2023. The next vintage will be 2022, but it was not made in 2023 or 2024. (02/27/25)."
97 points James Suckling: "Such depth and concentration that absorbs the oak spices. In fact, this is a bit closed now. Some crushed violets, blackberries, incense, dark chocolate and black cherries. Profound, full and very powerful, with stacks of dusty tannins. A lot of potential ahead. Drink from 2027. (8/8/24)"
96 points Wine Spectator: "A rich red, offering depth and focus, with an enticing core of blackberry coulis and plum sauce, plus accents of star anise, wild thyme and ground coffee brightened by mouthwatering acidity and well-meshed, muscular tannins. Long, expressive and harmonious, with pretty floral, spice and mineral aromatics echoing on the finish. Tempranillo and Graciano. Drink now through 2045. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Only 50 cases importer. (02/19/25)."
96 points JoaquÃn Hidalgo (Vinous): "The 2021 Aro, 70% Tempranillo and 30% Graciano from the calcareous clay soils of Rioja Alta, was aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. It begins with a cleansing note followed by ripe black and red fruit, plum, menthol and mild undergrowth, with the oak adding understated toffee and spice tones. Creamy and full-bodied with a compact flow and a lengthy finish shaped by firm tannins and lingering oak flavors, this is bold and modern in structure, but remains rooted in Rioja’s depth of expression. Drink 2028-2050. (05/25)."
| Product SKU | 351482 |
| Producer | Muga |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Varietal | Tempranillo/Tinto Fino |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Blend | Tempranillo and Graciano |
| ABV | 14.5% |
| Ships To |
