Wine: Marqués de Murrieta 1955 Reserva
Winery: Marqués de Murrieta (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo.
ABV: (Not specified)
Winery: Marqués de Murrieta (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 10% Mazuelo.
ABV: (Not specified)
Winemaking:
Strict grape selection upon arrival at the winery, followed by immediate de-stemming and pressing. The wine spent 12 to 18 months in large foundational wooden vats and a small portion in glazed concrete tanks to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It then matured in neutral 225-liter American oak barrels for an extraordinary period of 200 to 210 months (nearly 18 years). The average age of the barrels was 30 years, with some reaching 45 years. Following membrane filtration, the wine was bottled directly from the barrel upon demand and delivered to clients without further bottle aging at the winery.
Strict grape selection upon arrival at the winery, followed by immediate de-stemming and pressing. The wine spent 12 to 18 months in large foundational wooden vats and a small portion in glazed concrete tanks to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It then matured in neutral 225-liter American oak barrels for an extraordinary period of 200 to 210 months (nearly 18 years). The average age of the barrels was 30 years, with some reaching 45 years. Following membrane filtration, the wine was bottled directly from the barrel upon demand and delivered to clients without further bottle aging at the winery.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-ruby color with medium-high depth; opaque, dark, and limpid,
with no trace of sediment. It possesses a remarkably youthful
appearance. Vibrant coppery and reddish reflections with great
brilliance. Broad, clear, almost brick-orange rim, showing a sharp
contrast against the meniscus.
Nose:
A memorable presentation: dense and compact from the moment of
uncorking. Deep aromas of fine wood, cedar, and top-tier leather
prevail. It is exceptionally elegant, intense, and well-defined,
revealing ripe red and black fruit perfumed by whispers of withered
flowers and aromatic herbs (lavender, ivy, leaf litter) that lend a
subtle wild character. It is hypnotic, sparking intricate details of
smoky pepper, cocoa butter, morels, nutmeg, and cocoa powder.
Palate:
Features a velvety texture and a polished mouthfeel, yet possesses an
unexpected and vigorous drive. It grips the palate with a lively, almost
muscular structure and magnificent backbone. Despite its power, it
maintains impeccable order and poise. Fresh and acidic, it exudes both
brio and restraint, perfectly tailored by Murrieta’s mastery. The oak is
precisely integrated, allowing juicy, pure fruit to emerge as the wine
opens up.
Commentary:
An unprecedented Murrieta Reserva, nearly impossible to locate, born from an extraordinary Rioja vintage that the winery largely bypassed after the monumental 1954. It is a titan among giants, rivaling—and at times surpassing—the legendary Castillo Ygay. A wine that defines the history of Spanish red wines, sitting just a fraction below the sublime 1948 Gran Reserva. Absolute plenitude.
An unprecedented Murrieta Reserva, nearly impossible to locate, born from an extraordinary Rioja vintage that the winery largely bypassed after the monumental 1954. It is a titan among giants, rivaling—and at times surpassing—the legendary Castillo Ygay. A wine that defines the history of Spanish red wines, sitting just a fraction below the sublime 1948 Gran Reserva. Absolute plenitude.
Personal Score: 99
Tasting Group Average: 99
Tasting Group Average: 99
No comments:
Post a Comment