Expect dark cherry, dried red fruit, leather, tobacco, vanilla, dill (from American oak), and a savory note with full body, structured tannins, and bright acidity. The 2020 Rioja vintage was good.
- Varietal
- Tempranillo-dominant Rioja blend (typically with small percentages of Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha)
- Region
- Spain / La Rioja / Rioja Alta
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, traditional Rioja, oak-aged, age-worthy
The producer
Marqués de Murrieta is one of Rioja's oldest and most historically important producers, founded in 1852 by Luciano Murrieta — widely credited with introducing Bordeaux-style winemaking techniques to Rioja. Finca Ygay is the estate's flagship vineyard and the source for many of the house's wines. The estate is family-owned by the Cebrián-Sagarriga family.
What critics say
Marqués de Murrieta Reserva consistently receives strong reviews as a benchmark traditional Rioja, often scoring in the low- to mid-90s.
Pairing
Lamb shoulder with rosemary, grilled lamb chops, Manchego cheese