Established in 1852, Murrieta is one of the oldest and most respected bodegas in Rioja Alta. Their wines are concentrated and long-lived and some, like “Castillo Ygay”, have become legendary amongst wine-lovers. Marqués de Murrieta has not stood back and stagnated however; their 300 hectare estate produces Dalmau – a blend which represents an avant-garde expression of their terroir.
Within the 300 hectare Ygay estate, surrounding the winery in the southern point of Rioja Alta wine area. There is an altitude difference of 165 metres between the lowest point at 320 metres and the highest peak at 485 metres.
Grapes are first de-stemmed and then fermented in temperature controlled, stainless steel tanks for 9 days, with constant skin contact. During fermentation pumping over and punching down operations are regularly carried out. These processes ensure both effective and gentle colour and aroma extraction. Afterwards the solid parts of the grapes are pressed in a vertical press. This is a gentle process that extracts colour and ripe tannins from the grape’s skin.
The fifth consecutive small vintage, 2012 was marked by drought and low yields but the resultant small berries harvested made wines of great concentration and tannin.
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.
All kind of red meats, bellota ham, grilled fish and dishes with rich sauces.
Serve at 16º-18º C. Open one hour before serving.
The Wine Advocate: 93 POINTS
June 29, 2019, Luis Gutiérrez
“Produced with grapes from a dry and low-yielding year, the 2012 Gran Reserva Limited Edition is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 9% Mazuelo, 8% Garnacha and 3% Graciano selected from a diversity of plots and soils. The destemmed grapes fermented in stainless steel, and the wine matured in American oak barrels for 29 months. 2012 was a warm year, and it shows in the wine. This also feels like a different era, especially when compared with the latest wines from 2012. It has a combination of a classical and more modern/clean profile. It has developed aromas and notes of bottle age. This is a selection of the most age-worthy vineyards from their estate, but it’s not the same as Castillo Ygay. It’s selected after one year in barrel for the potential the wine shows.”
Wine Enthusiast: 93 POINTS
April 1, 2019, Michael Schachner
“Initial oaky aromas dissipate and settle on road tar blackness. A lush, fleshy palate is braced with acidity, while this gran reserva tastes of plum, cassis, tobacco and brown sugar. Fresh acidity creates length on a finish with mocha, chocolate and spice flavors. This needs more time to show its best; drink through 2028.”
JamesSuckling.com: 94 POINTS
August 1, 2018, James Suckling
“Let the dark nose with its licorice, soy sauce, smoke and earthy notes draw you into the deep, concentrated palate, where the serious tannins have just matured to the point where there is a graceful line right through the wine. Drink or hold.”
Rioja Alta, Spain
90% Tempranillo
5% Mazuelo
3% Garnacha
2% Graciano
Natural Cork
No
No
