2016 Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva.
When it comes to Rioja’s elite wines, Marqués de Murrieta’s Gran Reserva stands as a symbol of prestige and excellence, crafted only in exceptional years—a rarity that speaks volumes of the winery’s commitment to quality. Since 1852, Marqués de Murrieta has epitomized the confluence of heritage and innovation, consistently producing wines that showcase Rioja’s highest expression.
In this review, we delve into the 2016 Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva, a wine that captures the essence of the estate’s dedication to crafting timeless wines.
About the Winery
Marqués de Murrieta is a legacy estate in Rioja with deep roots and a profound impact on the region’s winemaking. Established by Mr. Luciano Murrieta, a visionary who introduced Bordeaux techniques to Rioja, the estate transformed local practices and standards. Situated in Rioja Alta at the historic Ygay Estate near Logroño, Marqués de Murrieta’s vineyards benefit from a unique terroir, enriched by diverse soils and the temperate influence of the Ebro River.
Under Mr. Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga’s stewardship, the winery seamlessly blends tradition with modern precision, reflecting this duality in its highly selective Gran Reserva wines, produced only in the best vintages. This approach allows Marqués de Murrieta to capture Rioja’s unique terroir in wines of exceptional depth and complexity.
About the Wine
The 2016 Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva Limited Edition is a barrel selection of the most age-worthy wines from an exceptional vintage. This blend comprises 82% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 8% Mazuelo, meticulously chosen from the estate’s 300 hectares of vineyards. Harvested between October 10th and 18th, the grapes are destemmed and lightly crushed before undergoing separate fermentation by plot and variety in stainless steel. Each variety matures individually in American oak barrels for 26 months, allowing the wine’s structure and complexity to unfold before final blending.
In the glass, the 2016 Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva presents a deep garnet hue with a soft brick rim, showcasing the wine’s evolution. The nose is layered and perfumed, introducing aromas of black truffle and black olive, which lend a savory, earthy complexity, interwoven with notes of wild herbs, balsamic richness, and a touch of vanilla. Blackberry aromas add a vibrant fruit core, while chalky mineral undertones hint at the depth and terroir-driven character of this Rioja.
On the palate, the wine is both solid and balanced, presenting a more traditional, meatier style compared to more recent vintages. It delivers a harmonious interplay between structure and finesse, with fine-grained tannins that provide substance without overpowering the wine’s core. Blackberry and dark fruit notes are joined by a savory hint of wild herbs, black truffle, and olive, bringing added complexity to each sip. The texture is luxurious yet restrained, capturing a graceful balance of power and subtlety.
The finish is long, persistent, and remarkably focused, leaving a lasting impression of chalky minerality, fine tannins, and refined black fruit. This 2016 Gran Reserva stands out as a beautifully complete expression of Rioja, embodying both tradition and elegance in each sip, while promising to reveal even more over years of careful aging.
Conclusion
The 2016 Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva Limited Edition is a wine crafted for longevity. This Gran Reserva is a testament to the dedication and artistry of Marqués de Murrieta, made only in select vintages and showcasing the best of what Rioja can offer. These vintage promises to evolve beautifully over the next 20 years, offering wine lovers an extraordinary Rioja experience.
Awarding the 2016 Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva a 95-point DWA score, we recognize its seamless integration of fruit, structure, and age-worthy character—a wine for those who seek excellence and elegance in their Rioja.
In addition to this Gran Reserva we also reviewed the 2019 Marqués de Murrieta Reserva. Click here to read this review.
This review is written by Niels Aarts. Marqués de Murrieta is imported in the Netherlands by Verbunt Verlinden and available through selected retail and hospitality partners.
Price: €57,50
Taste Date: October 2024
Score: 95/100 DWA Score
Website: Marqués de Murrieta