Marqués de Murrieta Etiqueta Blanca 1979

Wine: Marqués de Murrieta Etiqueta Blanca 1979
Winery: Marqués de Murrieta (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 50% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo
ABV: [Not specified]
Winemaking: The wine spent 12 months in large, seasoned oak vats to complete malolactic fermentation and settle before being racked for aging. It was matured for 24 months in used 225-liter American oak barrels. The wine underwent membrane filtration prior to bottling. A minimum of 18 months of bottle aging was carried out in the winery’s underground cellars before its commercial release. 

 

Tasting Notes:
 

Appearance: Very pale, brownish-ruby with a medium-low depth (capa). It displays copper highlights and a somewhat matte, lackluster finish. The rim is broad and fully tawny (tile-red), showing no distinction from the meniscus. 

 

Nose: Low intensity and somewhat muted, dominated by curious "solera-like" oxidative nuances: nuts, rancid notes, wine-soaked staves, and a hint of beeswax. A significant spice profile continuously gains prominence, featuring smoked pepper, cloves, and turmeric. While it shows no off-odors or excessive reduction, the overall impression is of a wine past its prime. The fruit is entirely absent—an unexpected finding for a Murrieta Etiqueta Blanca. It feels weak, offering little more than some liqueur-like notes, balsams, and camphor.

 

Palate: The palate follows the same trajectory: thin, diluted, lacking acidity, and devoid of depth. The structure feels somewhat disjointed and fails to fully integrate. It lacks the balance and hedonistic character usually associated with this label. The finish is short and slightly drying, with lingering notes of wood and bitter undertones. While drinkable and even somewhat pleasant, it falls short of expectations given its reputation. Once again, we have yet to encounter a standout wine from the 1979 vintage. The search continues. 

 

Personal Score: 79
Tasting Group Score: 80