Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva 2016

Winery Background and History

Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta, founded in 1852 by Luciano de Murrieta, is one of the most esteemed estates in Rioja. It was among the first Rioja producers to export wine and remains renowned for combining tradition with innovation. Situated on the historic Ygay Estate—purchased in 1872—the winery spans over 300 hectares of calcareous-clay vineyards in southern Rioja Alta. Today, under the leadership of the Cebrián-Sagarriga family and winemaker María Vargas, the estate continues to craft classically styled wines with enduring appeal 

Producer and Winemaker

The 2016 Gran Reserva is produced under the meticulous guidance of Marqués de Murrieta’s experienced team, led by technical manager María Vargas. This wine is created from selected barrels from exceptional vintages—an approach that emphasizes both modern precision and respect for Rioja’s heritage 

Vineyards and Microclimate

The grapes derive exclusively from the Ygay Estate in Rioja Alta, planted on elevations ranging from 320 to 485 meters with calcareous-clay soils. This terroir ensures excellent drainage, balanced ripening, and concentration of fruit. Altitude and soil composition contribute to the wine’s structure, freshness, and complexity 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Each variety—Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha—is fermented separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with regular pump-overs and punch-downs to extract color and tannin. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes an extensive 25–26 months of aging in 225-liter American oak barrels to develop depth, structure, and an elegant profile 

Tasting Notes

This wine offers a rich bouquet of plum marmalade, maraschino cherry, dried herbs, licorice, and subtle balsamic notes, layered with hints of menthol. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet fluid, showcasing ripe black fruit, silky texture, polished tannins, and a long, balanced finish with mineral and spice undertones 

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal with dishes that echo its complexity and elegance—such as duck magret with red wine reduction and berries, truffle-rich fare, roasted game, or mushroom risotto. The refined tannins and balanced acidity make it especially well-suited to rich, savory preparations 

Service Methods and Temperature

Serve in a large Bordeaux-style glass at approximately 17 – 18 °C. A decant of 30 minutes is recommended to open up the aromatics and showcase the wine’s layered profile gracefully 

Storage and Aging Potential

Crafted for long-term aging, this wine can evolve beautifully over decades (2024–2040+). With time, expect tertiary notes—such as leather, earthy nuances, and spices—to emerge while retaining structure and elegance 

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

Approximate blend: 82% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 8% Mazuelo (some sources include a small amount of Garnacha) 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 14.0% 

Scores (Highest to Lowest)

• James Suckling: 96 points

• Tim Atkin, MW: 96 points

• Vinous (Joaquín Hidalgo): 96 points

• Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): 94+ points

• Falstaff (Peter Moser): 94 points

• Wine Spectator: 93 points