Bodegas Muriel, Rioja Gran Reserva (Spain) 2014

 Rounding out this trio of Muriel wines is their stunning old vine Reserva.  It is just better, more complex and layered compared to their “regular” Reserva with an even finer texture.  It’s the kind of wine that makes you pause after the first sip.  With power and elegance, it is truly an iron fist in a velvet glove.  All of its complexity and weight comes with only 13.5 percent stated alcohol, which just goes to show you don’t need over-ripe grapes to make a terrific wine.  At the price, it’s a steal.