Sufficient Typicity to guess it was a Rioja, brambly fruit, slightly smoky barbecue meatiness , hint of vanilla oak. Quite a heavy full on style for a Riserva and needed food, in this case, pork. A few years left in this yet.
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Vertical Marqués de Murrieta Reserva, Colección Histórica 2012 a 2017 más botella 2018. Ahora la edición 2014, un coupage de Tempranillo 84%, Graciano 9%, Mazuelo 5% y Garnacha 2%, envejecido durante 19 meses en barrica de roble americano. Tras la sutileza de la edición de 2013, pasamos ahora a un perfil más tánico, estructurado, potente e incluso alcohólico, todo notorio principalmenre en la comparación, ya que es un vino muy accesible y agradable, con especias varias, buena fruta negra y fondo empireumático.
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I was a little worried when I first opened it. But it improved dramatically over the next 2 days and was drinking deliciously by the end. I guess this could use another couple of years to really peak.
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Colour is dark ruby. Nose is attractive with oak nuances. On the palate everything is balanced and not overdone. Tannins are soft and oak is integrated. Lively acidity keeps it refreshing. A quality reserva. Drink or hold.
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I find it interesting that depending on many things, including what food is served the experiences we have with the same bottles spaced months apart. The next to the last bottle we thought was young (6 weeks ago) and we gave it an 89, but tonight's, very enjoyable, but very different than other Rioja's. Despite being only 84% Tempranillo, this struck us as a Cabernet-style Rioja and we rated it highly at 91. It lacked the musty cellar notes of other Riojas, but more than made up for it in hearty cedar and fruit (noted 19 months in American oak). Lesson learned-not all Riojas are vinted the same, but given their affordable cost, definitely worth exploring to find your favorite style. Ours is Riscal and Alberdi, but Caceres and this are pretty damn good, as well. This could easily have another 2 years of good life.
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Surprisingly, on the first night after a full afternoon of breathing, it struck us as young and not ready. Second night, it was up to the task and did well. 100% varietally correct. More restrained fruit than perhaps Caceres or Riscal and I think we prefer either of those, but this was pretty good, too. It would seem with 19 months of oak that this may well deserve longer-term aging to get the best out of it. 84% Tempranillo, which may explain the slightly restrained fruit.
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Soft, a little fruity, some oak in the background. (90p) Will wait +1hour to see what happens. It is a very good Rioja! Profile and body, not so bold, elegance and balance.
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Been a while since I had this wine, which I liked (and then bought) on release. Transparent medium garnet in the glass. Still a fair bit of oak spices and dill on the nose, the palate is very pretty, good freshness, medium bodied fruit, whole clusters. Integrated tannins. Very good length. Middle of the road Rioja (not your modern big and ripe wine, but also not a classic style either), perhaps a little simple, commercial and too easy drinking, but overall very good and excellent QPR.
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Arômes balsamiques...cèdre, épices, bleuets et mûres... Saveurs de fruits noirs mûrs et de cuir. Sec aux tannins fins. Souple avec une finale moyenne sur des notes de chocolat noir...amertume. Meilleur avec la nourriture. 89+
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Nice clean closure on cork. Clear garnet with brick at the rim. Very pronounced coconut ice on the nose - American oak. Slight confection on the palate, nice red fruit with a hint of the dark side. Acidity to the fore and nice finish with a hint of stewed fruit. No real complexity but decent wine.
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1/2 hour decant. Purple. Perfumed exotic fruits. Medium bodied. Lucious, muted fruit, soft tannins, some acidity on the finish. A nice rioja, although the nose was more promising than the wine delivered. This has developed considerably since I last tasted it in January 2019, when the tannins were more prominent.
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I drank this over two days, but did not make any notes. I will say that this has hit its stride and has all the qualities I appreciate in a Rioja (good dark fruit, some earthiness and leather, some tannin and oak, and a bit of an acidic bite). Very nice. Drink or hold.
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Rich cherries, American oak perfume in the form of caramel popcorn. Feathery. Coconut cream pie palate- the oak is pretty strong at this point. Unresolved cherries. Easy to drink though.
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Decanted for 2 hours. Easy drinking, fruit forward Rioja. Powerful, fruity nose of red plum, strawberry, vanilla, cigar box. Medium+ acidity, medium+ tannins, medium+ alcohol. Palate dominated by red fruit with some blueberry.
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Brick red with a brownish tinge N: expressive nose of baked plums, cassis, American oak, vanilla, smoked meat, dried herbs and caramel, opening up with almost incence-like florals, dried fruits and sweet tobacco. P: M tannin, M+ acid, M body, H alcohol, pronounced intensity. Flavours of baked plums, cherries, vanilla, caramel, oak, dark chocolate and dried flowers. Really good classic Rioja, fresh and lively still with good potential to age further, or enjoy now.
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Medium color. Brick to red. Dried cherry and cranberries. A little funky old oak. Brown spice. Medium density and hint of sweet fruit. Soft. A bit tired. Clean but lacks freshness.
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Matured in 100 % american oak. Toast and sweet fruit on the nose. Fruity and concentrated in the mouth. Quite soft and elegant. More well made and elegant than I remember Murrieta from older vintages.
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2019 Hennepin Lake Charity Event (Minneapolis, MN): Always a great under $20 value. Raspberries, dust, earth, wood, minerals and blueberries. Nice balanced wine with ample acidity. Should drink well through 2023.
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A concentrated Rioja with forward notes of ripe red berries and hints of vanilla and dusty oak. Acidity is high out of the bottle, but softened up once decanted for an hour. Alcohol is up there as well at 14%. For me, this is the sort of wine that needs to be enjoyed with food.
Marqués de Murrieta Reserva is the winery's workhorse bottling that is priced correctly and ages very well (the 2008s and 2009s are amazing at the moment). For a more distinct expression of the house's winemaking capabilities, try their legendary Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial — the current 2009 vintage is available at reputable retailers, with the 2010 coming out in early 2020.
Cellar storage conditions: 7/10
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Tempranillo 84%, Garnacha 9%, Graciano 5% and Mazuelo 2%
Full body, deep ruby color. Intense red wild fruits and tobacco box aroma complements by dried herbs and sweet spices. On palate - lovely Rioja fruitiness of cherry and plum with fresh juicy finish. Rich and complex but elegant, silky and well balanced, vital berries’ acidity and gentle tannins. Food friendly, best match is Carpaccio and stewed vegetables. Open about three/four hours ahead. Serve 16º - 20º. Drink now and next seven/eight years.
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"Grapes are first de-stemmed & then fermented in s/s tanks for 8 days at controlled temp in constant skin contact. During fermentation pumping over and punching down operations are regularly carried out. Afterwards the solid parts of the grapes are pressed in vertical presses with double screws. Aged for 19 mos in 225 L AM oak barrels." 10,000 cs imported.
N: Toast, vanilla, & earth atop ripe berries
P: Med body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which, without losing contact with the init frt, morphs into a LONG, POSS very, VERY slightly bitterish finish with a TANGY/swtness (60:40) to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '20, then easily making its 10th. My EXC-, more eventually? 94 pts Tim Atkin, 93 WA, 92 ea WS & Vinous (Raynolds), and 91 ea Wine & Spirits, Suckling, & Guía Peñín! [This vendor's $20.95 puts it in the TOP 20% of wine-searcher's postings.]
Note: Also tasted on 2/9, 2/16, & 5/4/2019 with fairly consistent TNs.
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Medium garnet in the glass. Good, solid intensity on the nose. The oak has settled down unlike that that you detect in young wines. Notes of cherry, raspberry, blueberry, coconut and cinnamon. A very good representative of Rioja, the 101 is you want. Well-balanced, concentrated and complex. Could trick you into thinking it's a Gran Reserva, but if you look closer, this could use a bit more depth to reach that stage. Nonetheless, a stunning effort.
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"Grapes are first de-stemmed & then fermented in s/s tanks for 8 days at controlled temp in constant skin contact. During fermentation pumping over and punching down operations are regularly carried out. Afterwards the solid parts of the grapes are pressed in vertical presses with double screws. Aged for 19 mos in 225 L AM oak barrels." 10,000 cs imported.
P: Med, poss LM, body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by some astringent pucker which pretty much resolves by the LONG finish with a tangy/swtness to the very, VERY fine tannins. Deserves/NEEDS another yr, then approaching its 10th? My EXC-; 94 pts Tim Atkin, 93 WA, & 92 WS. [This vendor's $20.95 puts it in the TOP 15% of wine-searcher's postings.]
Note: Also tasted on 2/9 & 2/16/2019.
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2.5h air. Medium Ruby color. Cherry, dried herbs, vanilla and dill aromas. Silky texture, medium body, red fruit on the palate, with dill and a hint of spice in the finish. Fine tannins. Balanced, fresh, accessible.
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Generous nose with caramel, dill and cherry. Med body with nice concentration. Fine tannins and smooth mouth feel. Finish is good but maybe a bit one dimentional. Considering price a pleasant surprise!
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Vanilla, dill, a little blueberry and some earthy notes on the nose. Fine tannins and smooth mouthfeel. Med body and pretty good finish. Enjoyable wine.
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Spanish Reds (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 84% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo, & 2% Garnacha from their "Ygay Estate: 300 ha of vyds surrounding the winery in the southernmost point of Rioja Alta. Altitude ranges from 320-485 m above sea level.
"Grapes are first de-stemmed & then fermented in s/s tanks for 8 days at controlled temp in constant skin contact. During fermentation pumping over and punching down operations are regularly carried out. Afterwards the solid parts of the grapes are pressed in vertical presses with double screws. Aged for 19 mos in 225 L AM oak barrels." 10,000 cs imported.
N: ™Blk cherries with a hint of red rasps, vanilla underneath
P: LM body; NICE, almost swtish frt met by some astringent pucker which, while staying within hailing distance of the frt, slowly evolves into a LONG finish with a TANGY/swtness (60:40) to the very, VERY fine tannins. NEEDS through '19, poss '20, then easily making its 10th. 94 pts Tim Atkin, 93 WA, & 92 WS. [This vendor's $20.95 puts it in the TOP 10% of wine-searcher's postings.]
™My ability to smell being impinged by sinus surgery
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"Grapes are first de-stemmed & then fermented in s/s tanks for 8 days at controlled temp in constant skin contact. During fermentation pumping over and punching down operations are regularly carried out. Afterwards the solid parts of the grapes are pressed in vertical presses with double screws. Aged for 19 mos in 225 L AM oak barrels." 10,000 cs imported.
P: Med body; RNDISH entry with nice, ALMOST swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which evolves into a LONG, slightly spicy, very, VERY slightly bitterish finish with a tangy/swtness to the dusty tannins. DESERVES/needs through '20, then making its 10th. My VG+/EXC-. 94 pts Tim Atkin, 93 WA, & 92 WS. [This vendor's $20.95 puts it in the TOP 10% of wine-searcher's postings.]
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At Tasting Event (short TNs)...This is one of the top I tasted, being so ready to drink and just bursting with fruit and flavor, seamless QPR. The bottle could easily be sucked down on own or with food. Cannot get out of my head and keep yearning for taste remembrance. At $22 this is a steal, buying half case, ready and so so delicioso, can't see it improving from here and distributor mentioned these are ready to go. Poorer vintage yet superb outcome. Also found 2012s for $5 more to throw down for the family, better vintage.
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Typically 84-89% Tempranillo, with the balance Grenache, Mazuelo and Graciano Mainly American oak Deep ruby appearance, very bright with some lightening (though youthful overall) Saline-inflected nose, lifted and fresh then on to cherry, some vivid wildness and a sort of spicy cassis note. Pure, with subtle notes of tobacco and vanilla. Not overtly sweet. Intense and lively on the attack, lovely berry fruit and some mellow sweetness offset by more ‘wildness’. Creamy, though not overtly vanillin, and toasty. Subtle and enveloping; grainy tannins and bright. Sapid, fragrant with some sense of tension. Cracking.
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Quite oaky, notes of vanilla, red fruit, mocha, spices. Rather soft on the palate, good acidity and fruit, spicy, a little linear and thin. Medium length. 87-89
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Subtle nose. Medium-full bodied with toasted bread, cocoa, and cedar flavours. Well-structured and balanced finish. 3.5/5 Could do with more aeration or time in bottle.
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4/28/2024 - belfast taxman wrote: 89 Points
Sufficient Typicity to guess it was a Rioja, brambly fruit, slightly smoky barbecue meatiness , hint of vanilla oak. Quite a heavy full on style for a Riserva and needed food, in this case, pork. A few years left in this yet.
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4/26/2024 - pdadams66 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Very good after a day. Good fruit and balanced oak/vanilla. Good now.
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3/14/2024 - fredfta wrote: 92 Points
Vertical Marqués de Murrieta Reserva, Colección Histórica 2012 a 2017 más botella 2018. Ahora la edición 2014, un coupage de Tempranillo 84%, Graciano 9%, Mazuelo 5% y Garnacha 2%, envejecido durante 19 meses en barrica de roble americano. Tras la sutileza de la edición de 2013, pasamos ahora a un perfil más tánico, estructurado, potente e incluso alcohólico, todo notorio principalmenre en la comparación, ya que es un vino muy accesible y agradable, con especias varias, buena fruta negra y fondo empireumático.
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3/5/2024 - pdadams66 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Good after a bit of air (2 hours). Balanced fruit, oak and acidity. Drink sooner, but will go for a few more years.
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7/18/2023 - VinCrush Likes this wine: 91 Points
I was a little worried when I first opened it. But it improved dramatically over the next 2 days and was drinking deliciously by the end. I guess this could use another couple of years to really peak.
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2/20/2023 - kalissa Likes this wine: 91 Points
Colour is dark ruby. Nose is attractive with oak nuances. On the palate everything is balanced and not overdone. Tannins are soft and oak is integrated. Lively acidity keeps it refreshing. A quality reserva. Drink or hold.
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5/1/2022 - Z1nnfull Likes this wine: 91 Points
I find it interesting that depending on many things, including what food is served the experiences we have with the same bottles spaced months apart.
The next to the last bottle we thought was young (6 weeks ago) and we gave it an 89, but tonight's, very enjoyable, but very different than other Rioja's. Despite being only 84% Tempranillo, this struck us as a Cabernet-style Rioja and we rated it highly at 91. It lacked the musty cellar notes of other Riojas, but more than made up for it in hearty cedar and fruit (noted 19 months in American oak). Lesson learned-not all Riojas are vinted the same, but given their affordable cost, definitely worth exploring to find your favorite style. Ours is Riscal and Alberdi, but Caceres and this are pretty damn good, as well.
This could easily have another 2 years of good life.
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3/22/2022 - Z1nnfull Likes this wine: 89 Points
Surprisingly, on the first night after a full afternoon of breathing, it struck us as young and not ready. Second night, it was up to the task and did well. 100% varietally correct. More restrained fruit than perhaps Caceres or Riscal and I think we prefer either of those, but this was pretty good, too.
It would seem with 19 months of oak that this may well deserve longer-term aging to get the best out of it. 84% Tempranillo, which may explain the slightly restrained fruit.
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1/30/2022 - rsbeck wrote: 91 Points
Continues to drink well.
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1/28/2022 - astifors Likes this wine: 91 Points
Soft, a little fruity, some oak in the background. (90p) Will wait +1hour to see what happens.
It is a very good Rioja! Profile and body, not so bold, elegance and balance.
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8/27/2021 - pavel_p Likes this wine: 91 Points
Been a while since I had this wine, which I liked (and then bought) on release. Transparent medium garnet in the glass. Still a fair bit of oak spices and dill on the nose, the palate is very pretty, good freshness, medium bodied fruit, whole clusters. Integrated tannins. Very good length. Middle of the road Rioja (not your modern big and ripe wine, but also not a classic style either), perhaps a little simple, commercial and too easy drinking, but overall very good and excellent QPR.
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7/31/2021 - Charlie Kahle Likes this wine: 89 Points
Drinking well after opened for 30min. Dry, slate. It good ripe fruit. Good mouth feel. Balanced flavors.
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7/8/2021 - ChateauDutremble Likes this wine: 89 Points
Arômes balsamiques...cèdre, épices, bleuets et mûres...
Saveurs de fruits noirs mûrs et de cuir. Sec aux tannins fins. Souple avec une finale moyenne sur des notes de chocolat noir...amertume. Meilleur avec la nourriture. 89+
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3/20/2021 - J'agnes Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice clean closure on cork. Clear garnet with brick at the rim. Very pronounced coconut ice on the nose - American oak. Slight confection on the palate, nice red fruit with a hint of the dark side. Acidity to the fore and nice finish with a hint of stewed fruit. No real complexity but decent wine.
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3/6/2021 - D_RICH Likes this wine: 89 Points
1/2 hour decant. Purple. Perfumed exotic fruits. Medium bodied. Lucious, muted fruit, soft tannins, some acidity on the finish. A nice rioja, although the nose was more promising than the wine delivered. This has developed considerably since I last tasted it in January 2019, when the tannins were more prominent.
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2/22/2021 - Haggis Likes this wine: 90 Points
I drank this over two days, but did not make any notes. I will say that this has hit its stride and has all the qualities I appreciate in a Rioja (good dark fruit, some earthiness and leather, some tannin and oak, and a bit of an acidic bite). Very nice. Drink or hold.
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2/11/2021 - rsbeck wrote: 91 Points
Popped, poured, consumed over next 90 minutes. Seems to have developed a little more character and complexity since last tasting.
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12/31/2020 - CAvalos Likes this wine:
Oaky, vanilla, red fruit, medium tannin
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9/8/2020 - guzmana Likes this wine: 92 Points
Consistent with prior notes
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8/23/2020 - K&J Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice Rioja, sedated. Ready to drink now.
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7/19/2020 - Doc90 wrote: 89 Points
Rich cherries, American oak perfume in the form of caramel popcorn. Feathery. Coconut cream pie palate- the oak is pretty strong at this point. Unresolved cherries. Easy to drink though.
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6/20/2020 - mstearnsa Likes this wine:
N-vanilla
T-oak, red fruit
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5/6/2020 - guzmana Likes this wine: 92 Points
Delightful. Wine excellent balance and Rioja character.
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4/29/2020 - Mic Mac Likes this wine:
Too young. Needs time.
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4/29/2020 - MS86 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Easy drinking, fruit forward Rioja. Powerful, fruity nose of red plum, strawberry, vanilla, cigar box. Medium+ acidity, medium+ tannins, medium+ alcohol. Palate dominated by red fruit with some blueberry.
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4/17/2020 - Tom Prior-Grice Likes this wine:
Brick red with a brownish tinge
N: expressive nose of baked plums, cassis, American oak, vanilla, smoked meat, dried herbs and caramel, opening up with almost incence-like florals, dried fruits and sweet tobacco.
P: M tannin, M+ acid, M body, H alcohol, pronounced intensity. Flavours of baked plums, cherries, vanilla, caramel, oak, dark chocolate and dried flowers.
Really good classic Rioja, fresh and lively still with good potential to age further, or enjoy now.
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1/7/2020 - jonboy74 Likes this wine: 90 Points
nice easy drinker, classic rioja.
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12/26/2019 - penguinoid Likes this wine:
Colour: translucent plum red, dark
Nose: plum, blackberry jam, raspberry. Strawberry. Balsamic vinegar. Old American oak, resinous, sappy; cigar box, sweet spice.
Palate: plum, strawberry, raspberry. Sharp red berry fruit. Balsamic vinegar. Old American oak. Cigar box. Sweet spice. Some earthiness. Fresh berry-like acidity; moderate, fine grained, sandpapery, somewhat drying tannins. Medium bodied, elegant. 14% alcohol. Seal: cork.
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12/18/2019 - rsbeck wrote: 90 Points
Similar to previous.
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12/1/2019 - rsbeck wrote: 90 Points
Popped, poured, consumed over next 90 minutes. Solid Rioja, no French Oak, 100% American Oak, ample fruit, nice acidity, a touch of earth, good QPR.
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11/27/2019 - LEEJV123 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Medium body, earthy, round, balanced.
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11/22/2019 - Fat1Wombat wrote: 87 Points
Medium color. Brick to red.
Dried cherry and cranberries. A little funky old oak. Brown spice.
Medium density and hint of sweet fruit. Soft.
A bit tired. Clean but lacks freshness.
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10/29/2019 - AudunG wrote: 89 Points
Matured in 100 % american oak. Toast and sweet fruit on the nose. Fruity and concentrated in the mouth. Quite soft and elegant. More well made and elegant than I remember Murrieta from older vintages.
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10/19/2019 - JiuiceWineguy Likes this wine: 91 Points
Enjoyed at barcelona wine. Sold at total wines $20
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10/10/2019 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 90 Points
2019 Hennepin Lake Charity Event (Minneapolis, MN): Always a great under $20 value. Raspberries, dust, earth, wood, minerals and blueberries. Nice balanced wine with ample acidity. Should drink well through 2023.
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10/5/2019 - c.roy90 wrote: 90 Points
A concentrated Rioja with forward notes of ripe red berries and hints of vanilla and dusty oak. Acidity is high out of the bottle, but softened up once decanted for an hour. Alcohol is up there as well at 14%. For me, this is the sort of wine that needs to be enjoyed with food.
Marqués de Murrieta Reserva is the winery's workhorse bottling that is priced correctly and ages very well (the 2008s and 2009s are amazing at the moment). For a more distinct expression of the house's winemaking capabilities, try their legendary Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial — the current 2009 vintage is available at reputable retailers, with the 2010 coming out in early 2020.
Cellar storage conditions: 7/10
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8/12/2019 - vlzat wrote: 90 Points
Tempranillo 84%, Garnacha 9%, Graciano 5% and Mazuelo 2%
Full body, deep ruby color. Intense red wild fruits and tobacco box aroma complements by dried herbs and sweet spices. On palate - lovely Rioja fruitiness of cherry and plum with fresh juicy finish. Rich and complex but elegant, silky and well balanced, vital berries’ acidity and gentle tannins. Food friendly, best match is Carpaccio and stewed vegetables. Open about three/four hours ahead. Serve 16º - 20º. Drink now and next seven/eight years.
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7/27/2019 - srh Likes this wine:
Spanish Reds [3-Grenache dominant, 2-Tempranillo dominant, & 1-Mencía] (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 84% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo, & 2% Garnacha from their "Ygay Estate: 300 ha of vyds surrounding the winery in the southernmost point of Rioja Alta. Altitude ranges from 320-485 m above sea level.
"Grapes are first de-stemmed & then fermented in s/s tanks for 8 days at controlled temp in constant skin contact. During fermentation pumping over and punching down operations are regularly carried out. Afterwards the solid parts of the grapes are pressed in vertical presses with double screws. Aged for 19 mos in 225 L AM oak barrels." 10,000 cs imported.
N: Toast, vanilla, & earth atop ripe berries
P: Med body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which, without losing contact with the init frt, morphs into a LONG, POSS very, VERY slightly bitterish finish with a TANGY/swtness (60:40) to the dusty tannins. NEEDS through '20, then easily making its 10th. My EXC-, more eventually? 94 pts Tim Atkin, 93 WA, 92 ea WS & Vinous (Raynolds), and 91 ea Wine & Spirits, Suckling, & Guía Peñín! [This vendor's $20.95 puts it in the TOP 20% of wine-searcher's postings.]
Note: Also tasted on 2/9, 2/16, & 5/4/2019 with fairly consistent TNs.
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6/16/2019 - grapenomad wrote: 91 Points
Medium garnet in the glass. Good, solid intensity on the nose. The oak has settled down unlike that that you detect in young wines. Notes of cherry, raspberry, blueberry, coconut and cinnamon. A very good representative of Rioja, the 101 is you want. Well-balanced, concentrated and complex. Could trick you into thinking it's a Gran Reserva, but if you look closer, this could use a bit more depth to reach that stage. Nonetheless, a stunning effort.
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6/2/2019 - jkvedar Likes this wine: 91 Points
In a really good place right now. Vanilla predominates on the nose. Well-balanced with great acidity on the palate. Beautiful finish.
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5/27/2019 - RussK wrote: 91 Points
Russk. Wine Spectator grand tour. 91‐ pts.
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5/12/2019 - Bearbus wrote:
Dusty oak over dark berries, OK
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5/4/2019 - srh Likes this wine:
Spanish Reds [5-Riojas & 1-Castilla y León] (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 84% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo, & 2% Garnacha from their "Ygay Estate: 300 ha of vyds surrounding the winery in the southernmost point of Rioja Alta. Altitude ranges from 320-485 m above sea level.
"Grapes are first de-stemmed & then fermented in s/s tanks for 8 days at controlled temp in constant skin contact. During fermentation pumping over and punching down operations are regularly carried out. Afterwards the solid parts of the grapes are pressed in vertical presses with double screws. Aged for 19 mos in 225 L AM oak barrels." 10,000 cs imported.
N: Slightly closed; RIPE berries with smoke & vanilla underneath; Intensity lurking?
P: Med, poss LM, body; NICE, ALMOST swtish frt met by some astringent pucker which pretty much resolves by the LONG finish with a tangy/swtness to the very, VERY fine tannins. Deserves/NEEDS another yr, then approaching its 10th? My EXC-; 94 pts Tim Atkin, 93 WA, & 92 WS. [This vendor's $20.95 puts it in the TOP 15% of wine-searcher's postings.]
Note: Also tasted on 2/9 & 2/16/2019.
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4/19/2019 - Siwink57 Likes this wine: 89 Points
A solid Spanish blend. Notes of raspberries and cherries. Delightful!
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4/18/2019 - daveyk39 wrote: 88 Points
2.5h air. Medium Ruby color. Cherry, dried herbs, vanilla and dill aromas. Silky texture, medium body, red fruit on the palate, with dill and a hint of spice in the finish. Fine tannins. Balanced, fresh, accessible.
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4/9/2019 - Winenewbies Likes this wine: 88 Points
Pretty good table wine for a nice everyday dinner
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3/8/2019 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Loam and earthiness to it. A bit of sour cherry and fresh and lively.
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3/1/2019 - guzmana Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very nice Rioja with outstanding balance.
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2/22/2019 - Ballesteros wrote: 90 Points
Generous nose with caramel, dill and cherry. Med body with nice concentration. Fine tannins and smooth mouth feel. Finish is good but maybe a bit one dimentional. Considering price a pleasant surprise!
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2/20/2019 - Ballesteros wrote: 89 Points
Vanilla, dill, a little blueberry and some earthy notes on the nose. Fine tannins and smooth mouthfeel. Med body and pretty good finish. Enjoyable wine.
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2/16/2019 - srh Likes this wine:
Spanish Reds (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 84% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo, & 2% Garnacha from their "Ygay Estate: 300 ha of vyds surrounding the winery in the southernmost point of Rioja Alta. Altitude ranges from 320-485 m above sea level.
"Grapes are first de-stemmed & then fermented in s/s tanks for 8 days at controlled temp in constant skin contact. During fermentation pumping over and punching down operations are regularly carried out. Afterwards the solid parts of the grapes are pressed in vertical presses with double screws. Aged for 19 mos in 225 L AM oak barrels." 10,000 cs imported.
N: ™Blk cherries with a hint of red rasps, vanilla underneath
P: LM body; NICE, almost swtish frt met by some astringent pucker which, while staying within hailing distance of the frt, slowly evolves into a LONG finish with a TANGY/swtness (60:40) to the very, VERY fine tannins. NEEDS through '19, poss '20, then easily making its 10th. 94 pts Tim Atkin, 93 WA, & 92 WS. [This vendor's $20.95 puts it in the TOP 10% of wine-searcher's postings.]
™My ability to smell being impinged by sinus surgery
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2/9/2019 - srh Likes this wine:
Winebar [4 Whites, 8 Reds, & 4 *shared* bottles] from 02/08/19 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 84% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo, & 2% Garnacha from their "Ygay Estate: 300 ha of vyds surrounding the winery in the southernmost point of Rioja Alta. Altitude ranges from 320-485 m above sea level.
"Grapes are first de-stemmed & then fermented in s/s tanks for 8 days at controlled temp in constant skin contact. During fermentation pumping over and punching down operations are regularly carried out. Afterwards the solid parts of the grapes are pressed in vertical presses with double screws. Aged for 19 mos in 225 L AM oak barrels." 10,000 cs imported.
N: Vanilla, smoke atop RIPE frt; Intensity lurking
P: Med body; RNDISH entry with nice, ALMOST swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which evolves into a LONG, slightly spicy, very, VERY slightly bitterish finish with a tangy/swtness to the dusty tannins. DESERVES/needs through '20, then making its 10th. My VG+/EXC-. 94 pts Tim Atkin, 93 WA, & 92 WS. [This vendor's $20.95 puts it in the TOP 10% of wine-searcher's postings.]
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1/24/2019 - Ben Venga Likes this wine:
Pretty classic young rioja.
Tart cherry, medium body with dusty tannjns. Earthy, leather and spice finish. Balanced.
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1/22/2019 - Joe Kane wrote:
Classic. Rioja Alta, soft, muted, red fruit, not VA or brett. Pretty clean. Really fresh and structured. Palate is great.
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11/23/2018 - rossi.wine wrote: 89 Points
A bit linear, good acidity and balance, good ripeness of fruit, nice tannic structure. Well made. 88-90
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11/14/2018 - Zweder wrote: 88 Points
Monthly Tasting Group HWS #133; Spain, Rioja Reserva (By WW): Vanilla, coconut and a firm dose of oak in the bouquet. On the palate juicy acidity, some chocolate, good red fruits and cherry acidity and round tannin with a pleasant bite.
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10/29/2018 - Vinomazing Likes this wine: 92 Points
At Tasting Event (short TNs)...This is one of the top I tasted, being so ready to drink and just bursting with fruit and flavor, seamless QPR. The bottle could easily be sucked down on own or with food. Cannot get out of my head and keep yearning for taste remembrance. At $22 this is a steal, buying half case, ready and so so delicioso, can't see it improving from here and distributor mentioned these are ready to go. Poorer vintage yet superb outcome. Also found 2012s for $5 more to throw down for the family, better vintage.
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10/15/2018 - Shrewsram Likes this wine: 90 Points
Typically 84-89% Tempranillo, with the balance Grenache, Mazuelo and Graciano
Mainly American oak
Deep ruby appearance, very bright with some lightening (though youthful overall)
Saline-inflected nose, lifted and fresh then on to cherry, some vivid wildness and a sort of spicy cassis note. Pure, with subtle notes of tobacco and vanilla. Not overtly sweet.
Intense and lively on the attack, lovely berry fruit and some mellow sweetness offset by more ‘wildness’. Creamy, though not overtly vanillin, and toasty.
Subtle and enveloping; grainy tannins and bright. Sapid, fragrant with some sense of tension.
Cracking.
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9/20/2018 - rossi.wine wrote: 88 Points
Quite oaky, notes of vanilla, red fruit, mocha, spices. Rather soft on the palate, good acidity and fruit, spicy, a little linear and thin. Medium length. 87-89
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8/25/2018 - SGoenophile Likes this wine: 91 Points
Matter of Taste. Still quite tight, prominent tannins. Relatively low acidity. Not as smooth as ygay. Probably still too young.
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8/3/2018 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Terracotta, sanguine, american oak I am being told. Yummy, delicious, but still with good acidity and backbone. Quite tight on the back of the palate.
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5/15/2018 - Double-A Likes this wine: 88 Points
Subtle nose. Medium-full bodied with toasted bread, cocoa, and cedar flavours. Well-structured and balanced finish.
3.5/5
Could do with more aeration or time in bottle.
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