Limited Edition Rioja Gran Reserva 2012

96 points, “Perfumed, refined and exquisitely oaked, with the structure for a long life.” – Tim Atkin

Respected wine critic Tim Atkin considers Marqués de Murrieta to be the Spanish equivalent of a “First Growth”, and has previously named María Vargas the Best Winemaker of the Year in Rioja. This traditional blend of Tempranillo, Mazuelo (Carignan), Grenache and Graciano spent 29 months in small American oak barrels imparting wonderful notes of vanilla and desiccated coconut to the dark and umami flavours of brambles, cassis, spiced fruitcake, liquorice, soy sauce, smoked meat and autumnal forests.

After all, Marqués de Murrieta should know what they are doing. Luciano Murrieta produced the first ever Rioja and built a grand “château” on the Ygay Estate, inspired by Bordeaux. Many years on and this producer is still going the extra mile. Aged for longer than the required legal period, this world famous Rioja Gran Reserva is crying out to be served with roast lamb, bellota ham, slow-cooked, intensely flavoured sauces and stews and anything grilled.