Marques de Murrieta - Gran Reserva 2016
Marqués de Murrieta's Gran Reserva 2016 stands as a masterful and timeless interpretation of the great classic Rioja, driven by a vintage of remarkable precision. The deep ruby robe with garnet reflections testifies to a perfectly controlled long maturation. The nose unfolds with great complexity, blending black cherry, ripe plum, and candied red fruits with elegant notes of fine leather, blond tobacco, and vanilla. Hints of cedar, cocoa, and sweet spices gradually appear, accompanied by a balsamic touch that brings freshness and depth. The whole is of great nobility, without heaviness, with a polished yet still vibrant aromatic profile. From the first sniff, the wine expresses long aging and the rigor of the Murrieta style. It is a harmonious, refined, and deeply classic bouquet.
On the palate, the attack is supple and perfectly integrated, revealing a broad yet very elegant body. The tannins, silky and fully integrated, support the wine without ever hardening it, offering a velvety mouthfeel. The fruit, still well present, blends with notes of fine wood, licorice, leather, and delicate spices, in a perfectly controlled progression. The extended aging in American oak barrels, a signature of the house, brings structure and complexity without masking the wine's identity. The vintage's natural freshness balances the whole and maintains remarkable drinkability despite the depth. The palate remains long, precise, and harmonious, with an impression of serenity and absolute mastery. Each sip confirms the stature of this Gran Reserva.
Gran Reserva 2016 is a wine of great gastronomy, crafted to accompany noble and flavorful dishes. It pairs ideally with roasted lamb, braised beef, game birds, or refined Iberian cuisine. Its smooth texture and aromatic complexity also make it a superb companion for aged hard cheeses. Served around 17 to 18 °C, after careful aeration, it reveals all its depth and balance. Already perfectly blossomed, it still has excellent aging potential, evolving towards more tertiary aromas of undergrowth, truffle, and noble spices. It is a great traditional Rioja, elegant and profoundly accomplished, embodying with authority and finesse the excellence of Marqués de Murrieta.
Grape varieties: Tempranillo 86%, Garnacha 8%, Mazuelo 4%, Graciano 2%
