Marqués de Murrieta

Blanco Gran Reserva 'Capellania' 2018

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Viura

Tasting note

A really expressive nose with a strong character; white fruit, fine pastry, fennel, laurel and cedar aromas are harmoniously assembled. With nerve and well-structured in the palate; refined and lingering, great depth and lasting finish. It shows excellent potential.

“The use of concrete in the fermentation process has taken Capellanía to a new dimension; longer, more complex and polished”, María Vargas, Winemaker

Blanco Reserva 'Capellania' 2017

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Viura

Tasting note

Smoky and nutty on the nose with aromas of fresh quince, pear, almonds and toasted notes. The palate showcases touches of oak, almonds, camomile, pear, dried apricots and has a creamy feel. There is superb balance and texture, with a line of fine acidity, the wine really develops in the mouth.

Blanco Reserva 'Capellania' 2016

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Viura

Tasting note

Smoky and nutty on the nose with aromas of fresh quince, pear, almonds and toasted notes. The palate showcases touches of oak, almonds, camomile, pear, dried apricots and has a creamy feel. There is superb balance and texture, with a line of fine acidity, the wine really develops in the mouth.

Blanco Reserva 'Capellania' 2015

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Viura

Tasting note

Complex aromas of quince, pear, fresh almonds and toasted notes combine with a distinct salinity. Powerful, elegant and fresh on the palate with great acidity. A touch of creaminess, with camomile, dried apricots and pears with just a touch of honey.

Blanco Reserva 'Capellania' 2014

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Viura

Tasting note

Complex aromas of quince, pear, fresh almonds and toasted notes combine with a distinct salinity. Powerful, elegant and fresh on the palate with great acidity. A touch of creaminess, with camomile, dried apricots and pears with just a touch of honey.

Blanco Reserva 'Capellania' 2013

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Viura

Tasting note

Pale gold. Intense aroma of ripe golden fruit with smoke and almonds. The palate is dry and savoury with oak vanilla overlaid with golden fruit, and a lovely balancing freshness on the finish. A modern take on the traditional white Rioja style.

Blanco Reserva 'Capellania' 2012

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Viura

Tasting note

Pale gold. Intense aroma of ripe golden fruit with smoke and almonds. The palate is dry and savoury with oak vanilla overlaid with golden fruit, and a lovely balancing freshness on the finish. A modern take on the traditional white Rioja style.

Blanco Reserva 'Capellania' 2011

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Viura

Tasting note

Pale gold. Intense aroma of ripe golden fruit with smoke and almonds. The palate is dry and savoury with oak vanilla overlaid with golden fruit, and a lovely balancing freshness on the finish. A modern take on the traditional white Rioja style.

Blanco Reserva 'Capellania' 2010

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Viura

Tasting note

Pale gold. Intense aroma of ripe golden fruit with smoke and almonds. The palate is dry and savoury with oak vanilla overlaid with golden fruit, and a lovely balancing freshness on the finish. A modern take on the traditional white Rioja style.

Blanco Reserva 'Capellania' 2009

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Viura

Tasting note

Pale gold. Intense aroma of ripe golden fruit with smoke and almonds. The palate is dry and savoury with oak vanilla overlaid with golden fruit, and a lovely balancing freshness on the finish. A modern take on the traditional white Rioja style.

Marqués de Murrieta 2019

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 87% Tempranillo
6% Graciano
5% Mazuelo
2% Garnacha

Tasting note

A truly expressive nose with multiple layers of red fruit: strawberry, cherry and red plum, notes of black pepper, sandalwood, Mediterranean herbs, red tea and hints of gentle ageing. Silky tannins that frame a wonderful, fresh palate and lead to an elegant finish. An excellent vintage that has given us a generous, well-defined and hugely fruity Marqués de Murrieta 2019.

“This vintage stands out for its exceptional ripeness and impeccable texture” María Vargas – Technical Director.

Reserva 2018

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 86% Tempranillo
8% Graciano
4% Mazuelo
2% Garnacha

Tasting note

Refined aromas of plums, blueberries and redcurrants that led to a bed of spices, flowers and balsamic touches, so distinctive of the Ygay Estate. Succulent, round and well-balanced in the mouth. A muscular wine with great potential.

“The 2018 vintage marks a turning point and inaugurates a new era that represents the future for Marqués de Murrieta” María Vargas – Technical Director.

Reserva 2017

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 83% Tempranillo
9% Graciano
6% Mazuelo
2% Garnacha

Tasting note

Flavours of ripe plum, red cherry and berries blend with spicy notes of licorice and sweet balsamic. The wine is silky and well balanced with rounded tannins and refreshing acidity. The long, mineral finish has notes of sweet spice and ripe plum fruit.

Reserva 2016

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 87% Tempranillo
6% Graciano
5% Mazuelo
2% Garnacha

Tasting note

Flavours of ripe plum, red cherry and berries blend with spicy notes of licorice and sweet balsamic. The wine is silky and well balanced with rounded tannins and refreshing acidity. The long, mineral finish has notes of sweet spice and ripe plum fruit.

Reserva 2015

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 80% Tempranillo
12% Graciano
6% Mazuelo
2% Garnacha

Tasting note

Flavours of ripe plum, red cherry and berries blend with spicy notes of licorice and sweet balsamic. The wine is silky and well balanced with rounded tannins and refreshing acidity. The long, mineral finish has notes of sweet spice and ripe plum fruit.

Reserva 2014

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 84% Tempranillo
5% Mazuelo
9% Graciano
2% Garnacha

Tasting note

Flavours of ripe plum, red cherry and berries blend with spicy notes of licorice and sweet balsamic. The wine is silky and well balanced with rounded tannins and refreshing acidity. The long, mineral finish has notes of sweet spice and ripe plum fruit.

Reserva 2013

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 77% Tempranillo
5% Mazuelo
8% Graciano
10% Garnacha

Tasting note

Flavours of ripe plum, red cherry and berries blend with spicy notes of licorice and sweet balsamic. The wine is silky and well balanced with rounded tannins and refreshing acidity. The long, mineral finish has notes of sweet spice and ripe plum fruit.

Reserva 2012

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 77% Tempranillo
5% Mazuelo
8% Graciano
10% Garnacha

Tasting note

Spicy aromas lead to intense cherry, red berries, ripe plum, licorice, chopped nuts and balsamic. On the palate the wine is silky and balanced with rounded tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is long and mineral with a hint of sweet spice.

Reserva 2011

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 89% Tempranillo
5% Mazuelo
4% Graciano
2% Garnacha

Tasting note

Intense cherry red in colour with aromas of red berries, ripe plum, licorice, chopped nuts and balsamic. On the palate the wine is silky and balanced with rounded tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is long and mineral with a hint of sweet spice.

Reserva 2010

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 93% Tempranillo
4% Mazuelo
2% Graciano
1% Garnacha

Tasting note

Spicy aromas lead to flavors of vanilla, cherry, fresh herbs and minerality in this expressive red. With silky layers of oak, this medium bodied Rioja is well structured and balanced. Drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop through to 2021.

Reserva 2009

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 90% Tempranillo
3% Garnacha Tinta
4% Mazuelo
3% Graciano

Tasting note

Very dark intense purple-red colour. Deep ripe aroma of red and black fruits with hints of spice. Full bodied and sweetly ripe style with bright lively fruit flavours and well knit tannins giving structure and very long dark fruits and vanillin finish. Great potential for long term development.

Reserva 2008

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 86% Tempranillo
8% Garnacha
4% Mazuelo
2% Graciano

Tasting note

Dark intense red colour. Deep aroma of red and black fruits with hint of spicy oak. Full bodied and ripe style with a positive structure and long dark cherry and leathery oak finish.

Gran Reserva 2015

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 80% Tempranillo
9% Graciano
9% Mazuelo
2% Garnacha

Tasting note

Over a base of balsamic aromas, there are hints of spices, ripe black berries, cassis, and figs. The delicate aromatic range is completed with mineral and light earth notes. The wine is refined and it has a lively palate, with silky texture that is wrapped by polished tannins and a long, persistent finish.

“A well-structure wine that has long to live. Faithful expression of the vintage and our Ygay Estate” María Vargas – Technical Manager

Gran Reserva 2014

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 84% Tempranillo
9% Graciano
5% Mazuelo
2% Garnacha

Tasting note

This is a full-bodied and generous Gran Reserva Rioja, with flavours of red currants, cherries and aromatic herbs, spicy oak and soft vanilla, with subtle tones of Christmas spices evident on the palate and a rich, velvety finish.

Gran Reserva 2012

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 90% Tempranillo
5% Mazuelo
3% Garnacha
2% Graciano

Tasting note

Dark intense red brick colour with a mature aroma of mellow red and dark fruits with hint of spicy oak. Full bodied and generous fruit softening as it matures. Lovely finish full of spicy fruit as it starts to soften and mature.

Gran Reserva 2011

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 90% Tempranillo
5% Mazuelo
3% Garnacha
2% Graciano

Tasting note

Dark intense red brick colour with a mature aroma of mellow red and dark fruits with hint of spicy oak. Full bodied and generous fruit softening as it matures. Lovely finish full of spicy fruit as it starts to soften and mature.

Gran Reserva 2010

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 90% Tempranillo
5% Mazuelo
3% Garnacha
2% Graciano

Tasting note

Dark intense red brick colour with a mature aroma of mellow red and dark fruits with hint of spicy oak. Full bodied and generous fruit softening as it matures. Lovely finish full of spicy fruit as it starts to soften and mature.

Gran Reserva 2009

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 89% Tempranillo
5% Mazuelo
4% Graciano
2% Garnacha

Tasting note

Dark intense red brick colour with a mature aroma of mellow red and dark fruits with hint of spicy oak. Full bodied and generous fruit softening as it matures. Lovely finish full of spicy fruit as it starts to soften and mature.

Gran Reserva 2007

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 83% Tempranillo
10% Red Garnacha
5% Mazuelo
2% Graciano

Tasting note

Dark intense red brick colour. Full, mature aroma of mellow red and dark fruits with hint of spicy oak. Full bodied and generous mellow fruit softening as it matures. Lovely finish and aftertaste of spicy fruit as it starts to soften and mature.

Gran Reserva 2005

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 84% Tempranillo
13% Garnacha Tinta
3% Mazuelo

Tasting note

Dark intense red brick colour. Full, mature aroma of mellow red and dark fruits with hint of spicy oak. Full bodied and generous mellow fruit softening as it matures. Lovely finish and aftertaste of spicy fruit as it starts to soften and mature.

Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva 2011

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 84% Tempranillo
16% Mazuelo

Tasting note

An endless and complex medley of aromas on the nose including ripe cherry, blueberry, cassis with refined hints of garrigue, Mediterranean herbs, black pepper, clove and mocha. Balance really defines this vintage on the palate, which is lively yet boasts super concentration and structure, with silky tannins and a long finish.

Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva 2010

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 85% Tempranillo
15% Mazuelo

Tasting note

The nose exhibits an aromatic intensity full of bright red fruits, floral notes, truffles, and incense, spicy touches. The wine is full bodied with a satin soft mouth feel. A Gran Reserva that shows strength, an elegant bouquet, fruity intensity and impeccable balance.

Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva 2009

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 81% Tempranillo
19% Mazuelo

Tasting note

The nose exhibits an aromatic intensity full of bright red fruits, floral notes, truffles, and incense, spicy touches. The wine is full bodied with a satin soft mouth feel. A Gran Reserva that shows strength, an elegant bouquet, fruity intensity and impeccable balance.

Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva 2007

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 86% Tempranillo
14% Mazuelo

Tasting note

Deep garnet colour. Restrained bouquet builds in the glass showing red fruits, leather and spice. On the palate it is full bodied with rounded ripe tannins. The flavour and texture given extra complexity and freshness by the Mazuelo. While it can be enjoyed now it will be a great vintage for long term maturing.

Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva 2005

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 89% Tempranillo
11% Mazuelo

Tasting note

Deep garnet colour. Restrained bouquet builds in the glass showing red fruits, leather and spice. On the palate it is full bodied with rounded ripe tannins. The flavour and texture given extra complexity and freshness by the Mazuelo. While it can be enjoyed now it will be a great vintage for long term maturing.

Castillo Ygay Blanco Gran Reserva Especial 1986

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 97% Viura
3% Malvasia

Tasting note

“I have been terribly excited about this wine since I first learned that (part of) it was still in cement waiting to be bottled in September 2013. I consider the rare white Castillo Ygay one of the greatest white wines ever produced in Spain, and the 1986 Castillo Ygay Blanco Gran Reserva Especial is a great addition to the portfolio of the winery–an historic wine that is coming back to life. I did a vertical tasting of many of the old, historic vintages of this wine, and they are included in a separate article in this very same issue. This 1986 had seen the light as a limited early release bottled in 1992 and sold around 1995, and some bottles might still be found in the market. But most of it remained unbottled and was kept at the winery, where it stayed in oak for 21 years, followed by some six years in cement vats until it was bottled. It has 13.5% alcohol, an extremely low pH of 2.98 and 6.75 grams of acidity (tartaric). It has a very subtle nose and it’s a bit shy, a little closed at first. It was only bottled one and a half years ago, and it’s not crazy to say that the wine is showing extremely young. The wine shows more open the day after, when it has developed some nuances of mushrooms and verbena tea. This is mostly Viura with perhaps a pinch of Malvasía Riojana (aka Alarije). The palate is both powerful and elegant, with superb acidity and great length, with volume and sharpness, with a mineral, umami-driven finish. It fills your mouth, tickles your taste buds and makes you salivate. There is nothing negative about the wine; there is no excess oak, nothing blurry, nothing to improve… perhaps the bottle used! I think this is a perfect wine. It seems to be getting younger and younger with time in the glass; it seems to be getting more focused and sharper, and I have no doubt the wine will evolve and last for a very, very, very long time in bottle. I kept the opened bottle for almost one week and the wine didn’t move one inch–no oxidation or any signs of fatigue. Having tasted many other vintages, including the also perfect 1919 (which is still going strong at age 97), I have no doubt we’re talking about a white for the next 50 years. Looking at the older vintages, I might even be underestimating its life span. The potential next release could be the 1998 in no less than ten years’ time.

There is something truly exceptional happening at Marqués de Murrieta: the rare white Castillo de Ygay is making a comeback! And nothing other than the 1986, a fully 30 years after the vintage!”

Luis Gutierrez

Dalmau Reserva 2019

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 86% Tempranillo
10% Cabernet Sauvignon
4% Graciano

Tasting note

Intensely scented nose with hints of blueberrie, red plum, thyme, cedar and black pepper. Splendid palate, wide, welldefined with a long juicy finish. Seductive match of strength and finesse.

“The clearest expression of Canajas single-vineyard nature” María Vargas, Technical Director.

Dalmau Reserva 2017

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 80% Tempranillo
10% Cabernet Sauvignon
10% Graciano

Tasting note

Dalmau has a complex nose, with aromas of wild fruits and dark chocolate, combined with creamy, spicy aromas following ageing in new French oak barrels.

Dalmau Reserva 2014

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 75% Tempranillo
15% Cabernet Sauvignon
10% Graciano

Tasting note

Dalmau has a complex nose, with aromas of wild fruits and dark chocolate, combined with creamy, spicy aromas following ageing in new French oak barrels.

Dalmau Reserva 2016

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 82% Tempranillo
15% Cabernet Sauvignon
3% Graciano

Tasting note

Dalmau has a complex nose, with aromas of wild fruits and dark chocolate, combined with creamy, spicy aromas following ageing in new French oak barrels.

Dalmau Reserva 2013

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 71% Tempranillo
15% Cabernet Sauvignon
14% Graciano

Tasting note

Dalmau has a complex nose, with aromas of wild berries, cassis and dark chocolate, combined with creamy, spicy aromas following ageing in new French oak barrels. An elegant wine which impresses in every way, with body and harmony, of magnificent balance which creates a powerful wine.

Dalmau Reserva 2011

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 79% Tempranillo
15% Cabernet Sauvignon
6% Graciano

Tasting note

It has a complex and velvety nose, with an explosion of aromas of wild fruits, dark chocolate and mineral notes, elegantly combined with the creamy toasting of its ageing in the new French oak barrels. An elegant and extraordinary wine which impresses in every way, with body and harmony, of magnificent balance which creates a powerful wine.

Dalmau Reserva 2012

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 70% Tempranillo
15% Cabernet Sauvignon
15% Graciano

Tasting note

It has a complex and velvety nose, with an explosion of aromas of wild fruits, dark chocolate and mineral notes, elegantly combined with the creamy toasting of its ageing in the new French oak barrels. An elegant and extraordinary wine which impresses in every way, with body and harmony, of magnificent balance which creates a powerful wine.

Dalmau Reserva 2009

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 74% Tempranillo
15% Cabernet Sauvignon
11% Graciano

Tasting note

Very dark intense purple-red colour. Deep ripe aroma of red and black fruits with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Intense concentration of dark cherry fruit overlaid with cassis. Full bodied and intense with perfect balance of silky tannins and bright finish. Elegant and classy style. Great potential for long term development.

Primer Rosé 2021

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Mazuelo

Tasting note

An aromatic festival of red apples, redcurrants and orange peel over a spicy base of thyme with hints of fine pastry and violets. On the palate it is pleasant, well-balanced, polished and refined. Subtleness and character go always hand in hand in this wine.

“Our bet on the mazuelo grape as our exclusive variety is reinforced after seeing how it shows in this Primer Rosé 2021” María Vargas – Technical Manager

Primer Rosé 2015

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Mazuelo

Tasting note

Light pink colour full of life and elegant. Fruity and fresh with an amazing complexity.

Primer Rosé 2017

Region Rioja Alta, Spain

Grape Varieties 100% Mazuelo

Tasting note

Light pink colour full of life and elegant. Fruity and fresh with an amazing complexity.

World class wines from the oldest family owned estate in Rioja

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Tim Atkin MW Rates Marqués de Murrieta

Rioja Report 2020 by Tim Atkin with great scores for Marqués de Murrieta

What Spain’s MWs like – Norrel Robertson

Alvarinho vs Albariño wines: Top wines from Portugal and Spain – Decanter

Maisons Marques et Domaines holds its Annual Portfolio Tasting

Maisons Marques et Domaines holds its Annual Portfolio Tasting