Bodegas Muriel, Rioja DOC Reserva (Spain) 2016

 One of the many charms of Rioja is the ability to find wines with aged character at a reasonable, dare I say, bargain, price.  This one displays the balanced combination of fresh and dried fruits, the latter of which comes from bottle age.  The overall effect is ying/yang of freshness with a delightful almost leathery, aged quality.  This mid-weight beauty has mild tannins, which provide structure during the meal, and great acidity, which keeps it fresh.  Whereas you could sip the Viña Eguia Rioja before a meal, this Rioja Riserva requires a sit-down meal.