Blend: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha
From: Rioja Alta, Spain
Marques de Murrieta is named after Luciano de Murrieta, one of the founding fathers of modern Rioja winemaking, who established the estate in 1852. Today V. Dalmau Cebrian-Sagarriga, Count of Creixell, leads the family-owned company. With a vision of innovation and respect for tradition, Marques de Murrieta is rooted in strong, historical fundamentals that shape the vision and philosophy of this iconic Spanish brand. The winery is near the southern tip of the Rioja Alta in the middle of the beautiful Ygay Estate, a unique 740-acre vineyard that guarantees complete control over the grape source and is the key to the quality and style of Marques de Murrieta wines.
For this Reserva Grapes are sourced entirely from the Ygay Estate: 740 acres of vineyards surrounding the winery in the southernmost point of Rioja Alta. Altitude ranges from 1000 to 1500 feet above sea level The wine is aged for 19 months in American oak barrels.
The Wine Advocate scored this 93-94 saying "I also tasted an unbottled sample of the 2016 Rioja Reserva, which should be bottled in a couple of months, before the summer. What I tasted was the final blend, and it represents the year—2016 was a cooler year, and the wine also goes in that direction. 2016 saw a large crop, and the grapes for this cuvée were harvested at the end of September, going toward more finesse and subtleness, combined with the natural power. There was a change in the winery in 2016 that was finalized in 2018 with the new winery. The wine is textured and fine, and it's more elegant than the 2015 I tasted next to it. The detail and texture on the palate is different, and the quality of the tannins is completely different."
Wine Spectator scored this 91 points saying "Black olive and forest floor notes frame tangy black cherry and currant flavors in this polished red. Well-integrated tannins and orange peel acidity support the supple texture. Balanced, in a savory style. Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2026."
