Marqués de Murrieta 1984 Blanco Reserva

Wine: Marqués de Murrieta 1984 Blanco Reserva
Winery: Marqués de Murrieta (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 90% Viura, 10% Malvasía
ABV: 12.5% vol.

Winemaking:
The wine spends 12 months in glazed concrete and stainless steel tanks to complete fermentation and stabilize before being racked for wood aging. It matures for 32 months in used 225-liter American oak barrels. Aged for a minimum of 6 to 12 months in the bottle within the winery's cellars before commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Bottle with evident ullage and a very evolved color, which was not a good omen. The cork, soaked in wine, still acted as a seal by adhering to the tin capsule but had lost all elasticity. Bottle "degollada" (opened by cutting the neck) to the base. It reveals a dark amber color, matte, with little brilliance. Clean and sediment-free.

 

Nose: Upon opening, it appears muddled, with a dirty toastiness joined by pungent "amontillado" notes, nuts (bitter almond), and a background of very ripe, creamy fruit that feels decoupled from the whole. It requires significant time and aeration to recover. As it settles, it gains definition, revealing faint hints of honey, dried apricots, and Spanish broom. Low intensity, though a deep foundation is sensed. A shame about the bottle's condition.

 

Palate: It maintains that "cannon blast" of acidity that, until recently, distinguished Murrieta whites from all others. Sharp, cutting, fresh, and extremely lively, despite the poor storage conditions. This acidity successfully counters a profile of ripe stone fruit that lingers indefinitely. Vibrant and very, very long. While it gains fine wood details, it cannot be called elegant; its character is one of pure strength and muscle. Well done!

 

Commentary:
Despite the storage issues and the evolved appearance, the wine survives thanks to its structural integrity. It proves the legendary longevity and "muscle" of the old Murrieta whites, even in less-than-ideal circumstances.

 

Personal Score: (Not provided)
Tasting Group Average: (Not provided)