Elegant Rioja wine bottle from Marques De Murrieta 2021 vintage.

2021 Marques De Murrieta Reserva Rioja Spain

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtRiojaSpainTempranillo

Marqués De Murrieta

Reserva Rioja
Rioja, Spain 2021

Elegant Rioja wine bottle from Marques De Murrieta 2021 vintage.

With double 96-point scores, the 2021 Marqués de Murrieta enters the glass with an assured presence shaped by more than a century and a half of intent. Founded in 1852 by Luciano de Murrieta, the estate helped define Rioja’s identity, translating the discipline of Bordeaux into a distinctly Spanish voice. In this vintage, that legacy feels fully realized, where precision and heritage align to shape a wine of both weight and composure.

At its core is the Finca Ygay estate in Rioja Alta, where elevation, exposure, and soil diversity bring structure and focus to Tempranillo. A climate tempered by Atlantic influence allows the fruit to ripen fully while preserving its natural acidity, establishing the balance that defines the wine from the outset.

Time completes the composition. With aging, the wine gains nuance without losing its line, as fruit, oak, and structure resolve into a seamless whole. Few wines deliver such a complete expression of place, history, and craft, standing not only as a benchmark, but as a lasting reference point for Rioja.

Marqués De Murrieta
Reserva Rioja
Rioja, Spain 2021

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“Even more outstanding than the 2020, the incredibly priced 2021 Reserva is young in boisterous blue fruit, with a generous, full-bodied palate of richness and upfront power. The tannins add length and breadth to the wine, which is tasting great and could go another 10-15 years.”

96 Points

2018 Vina Pomal Organic Reserva Rioja Spain

2018 Vina Pomal Organic Reserva Rioja Spain

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Viña Pomal

Organic Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2018

2018 Vina Pomal Organic Reserva Rioja Spain

Rooted in Haro, one of Rioja’s most historically charged enclaves, Bodegas Bilbaínas’s Viña Pomal speaks with the authority of place. Founded in 1901, the estate is Rioja’s longest-standing bottling winery, its extensive estate vineyards forming the backbone of a house style guided by continuity rather than reinvention. This classic Rioja Alta subtly resets expectations for what a traditionally framed Reserva can deliver at this level.

The 2018 vintage is built entirely on Tempranillo, a focused expression that allows variety and zone to emerge without dilution. Sourced from certified organic vineyards, the wine favors equilibrium, emphasizing freshness, structure, and natural balance. In a Reserva category often shaped by blending, this purity feels deliberate, sharpening the wine’s connection to place.

In the cellar, tradition completes the picture. A long maceration builds depth and structure before the wine is raised for eighteen months in American oak, a hallmark of classical Rioja élevage. The result is a Reserva defined by polish and drinkability, where savory nuance, measured oak, and fresh fruit move in alignment.

Viña Pomal
Organic Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2018

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“All Tempranillo, the 2018 Vina Pomal Reserva is a medium-bodied red aged 18 months in American oak and 18 months more in bottle. Smooth, supple tannins provide a rounded richness of red fruit and a hint of citrus, with light spice, anise, and woody undertones. It has the classic element of balsamic that floats between aromas of violet and vanilla. Drink now through 2030.”

92 Points

2020 Marques De Murrieta Reserva Rioja Spain

2020 Marques De Murrieta Reserva Rioja Spain

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Marqués De Murrieta

Reserva Rioja
Rioja, Spain 2020

2020 Marques De Murrieta Reserva Rioja Spain

Marqués de Murrieta 2020 Finca Ygay Rioja Reserva is a wine of exceptional quality, setting a benchmark rarely matched in its category. From a historic winery founded by Luciano de Murrieta in 1852, this remarkable Rioja Reserva embodies the visionary spirit that transformed Rioja into one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. Rich in tradition yet embracing modern refinement, the wine captures the timeless essence of its origin.

Luciano Murrieta’s pioneering journey, inspired by his studies in Bordeaux, gave rise to a style of Rioja that gained global acclaim for its power, complexity, and elegance. The Rioja Reserva is crafted predominantly from Tempranillo grapes grown in the distinguished vineyards of Rioja Alta, an area where history meets innovation to produce fruit of remarkable purity and depth.

With its graceful aging and clarity of expression, this Reserva speaks fluently in the language of Rioja: balanced, timeless, and resonant with place. At its price, few wines offer such pedigree, making it a compelling invitation to experience the soul of Rioja.

Marqués De Murrieta
Reserva Rioja
Rioja, Spain 2020

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“Subtle rusticity paired with assertive elegance, in a wine that marries subtle minerality with chalky tannins and poised, crunchy fruit. It’s vibrant throughout, with acid verve holding the rich, robust black fruit at the core. Long finish, with a spicy lining.”

95 Points

2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

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Covila

Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2016

2016 Covila Rioja Gran Reserva Spain

Bodegas Covila’s 2016 Gran Reserva Rioja is a masterpiece of careful aging and tradition, a wine that whispers tales of the Rioja Alavesa region with each sip. Our tasting panel was captivated by its exceptional fruit concentration, layered textures, and the elegant dance of sweet spices, cocoa, and dark fruits.

Nestled in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, Covila is a boutique winery born from the vision of 22 local families. United by their love for the land and its wines, they have formed a cooperative dedicated to sustainable farming and traditional practices that honor their Basque heritage.

The 2016 Gran Reserva is crafted from grapes meticulously handpicked from vineyards surrounding Laguardia and Lapuebla de Labarca. Following careful vinification, the wine matures gracefully in a curated blend of American and French oak barrels, imparting depth of flavor and structure. It then rests patiently in the cellar for the required five years, followed by an additional four years in the bottle, allowing its complexity to fully unfold.

The 2016 Covila Gran Reserva Rioja is a vibrant expression of the artistry and heritage of Rioja Alavesa, offering a journey through time and tradition with every sip.

Covila
Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja, Spain 2016

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“This dark garnet wine offers a nose of pomegranate, olive tapenade and orange zest. Opulent tannins support flavors of cherry, purple fig, cocoa butter, citrus zest and aniseed that evaporate into an enduring finish.”

95 Points

2018 Marquesw De Murrieta Rioja Reserva Finca Ygay Rioja Spain

2018 Marques De Murrieta Rioja Reserva Finca Ygay Rioja Spain

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MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA

RIOJA RESERVA
FINCA YGAY
RIOJA SPAIN 2018

2018 Marquesw De Murrieta Rioja Reserva Finca Ygay Rioja Spain

Luciano Murrieta was one of the first winemakers to establish a winery in Rioja after his studies in Bordeaux in 1852. He achieved worldwide recognition for his signature style of producing powerful, complex, and elegant wines. The Marqués de Murrieta Reserva is a traditional Riojan wine that embodies Luciano’s passion and pays tribute to one of Rioja’s pioneers.

The vineyards are located in Rioja Alta at 320 to 485 meters above sea level and are rooted in a traditional, iconic history with modern innovation. 

The 2018 Reserva combines 82% Tempranillo, with Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha aged 16 months in a mixture of new and used American oak with a year and a half in the bottle before release for a balanced integration and sophisticated drinkability.

MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA
RIOJA RESERVA
FINCA YGAY
RIOJA SPAIN 2018

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“The flagship red 2018 Rioja Reserva was produced with a blend of 86% Tempranillo, 8% Graciano, 4% Mazuelo (a.k.a. Cariñena) and 2% Garnacha selected from their 300 hectares of vineyards that exemplifies the character of the vintage and the place… Each variety and plot fermented separately in stainless steel. and the wines aged separately in American oak barrels for 21 months and then settled in concrete until bottling. It follows the path of the 2016, where I noticed a change that is taken further in this, controlling the power and increasing the freshness. It’s very aromatic, a year completely different from the 2017; it has less structure and more freshness and subtler balance and enough oomph, concentration and power neatly compensated by freshness… It’s perfumed, fresh, elegant and medium-bodied, with a velvety texture. Superb!”

94 Points

2015 Altanza Rioja Reserva Rioja Spain

2015 Altanza Rioja Reserva Rioja Spain

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ALTANZA

RIOJA RESERVA
RIOJA, SPAIN 2015

2015 Altanza Rioja Reserva Rioja Spain
Founded in 1998 by close friends who shared the dreams and ambitions of making classic Riojan wines, Bodegas Altanza’s state-of-the-art winery is located in Rioja Alta, where many of the region’s oldest wineries thrive. The winery combines tradition with modernity to offer sensibly priced wines of the utmost quality.
 
Tempranillo is Rioja’s most predominant and highly praised red grape variety and has influenced the region’s style for over a century and a half. This 2015 Reserva is one hundred percent Tempranillo that was fermented with natural yeasts and matured in French oak barrels renewed every five years to provide an array of complexity without overwhelming the fruit. 
 
ALTANZA
RIOJA RESERVA
RIOJA, SPAIN 2015
 
 
 
“A fruity red with toasted oak and some chocolate and spice. It’s medium-bodied with medium round tannins and a lightly chewy, fruity finish. Drink or hold.”
92 Points
2018 Proelio Vinedos Viejos Rioja Garnacha

2018 Proelio Vinedos Viejos Rioja Garnacha

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PROELIO

VINEDOS VIEJOS RIOJA
GARNACHA 2018

2018 Proelio Vinedos Viejos Rioja Garnacha
Palacios Vinos de Finca owns three wineries in Spain, and Proelio is their Riojan winery dedicated to expressing high-altitude vineyard terroirs within the region. Proelio’s small plots of old vine Garnacha, Tempranillo, and Graciano contribute distinctive Riojan characteristics to each wine produced.
 
The high-density vineyards where the grapes for the Viñedos Viejos Garnacha are grown thrive in the Alto Najerilla subzone with calcareous clay soils thrusting forth an array of complex aromas and flavors. The 2018 release is 100% varietal and fermented with native yeasts in wooden vats, with 30% stem inclusion, giving a fuller body with vibrant aromas and a silky texture for an unbelievable value.
 
PROELIO
VINEDOS VIEJOS RIOJA
GARNACHA 2018
 
 
 
“A fragrant garnacha with aromas of redcurrants, pomegranate, wild strawberries, thyme, lavender and lemon grass. Some oyster shell, too. Full-bodied with sleek tannins and bright acidity. Silky and vibrant with a long, fresh finish. Drink or hold.”
92 Points
 
“The red 2018 Viñedos Viejos is a perfumed and elegant Garnacha from Cárdenas in the Najerilla zone on red clay and sandstone soils aged in large oak vats for one year. It has 14.5% alcohol but with great balance, and the wine doesn’t come through as ripe or hot at all. In fact, it feels quite fresh, reflecting a cooler vintage. It’s varietal, clean, with integrated oak and with a vibrant and tasty palate…”
92 Points
2017 Marques De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva Rioja Spain

2017 Marques De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva Rioja Spain

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MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA

FINCA YGAY RESERVA
RIOJA SPAIN 2017

2017 Marques De Murrieta Finca Ygay Reserva Rioja Spain
Luciano Murrieta was one of the first winemakers to establish a winery in Rioja after his studies in Bordeaux in 1852. He achieved worldwide recognition for his signature style of producing powerful, complex, and elegant wines. The Marqués de Murrieta Reserva is a traditional Riojan wine that embodies Luciano’s passion and pays tribute to one of Rioja’s pioneers.
 
The vineyards are located in Rioja Alta at 320 to 485 meters above sea level and are rooted in a traditional, iconic history with modern innovation. The 2017 Reserva is 82% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, 6% Mazuelo, and 2% Garnacha aged 16 months in a mixture of new and used American oak with a year and a half in the bottle before release for a balanced integration and sophisticated drinkability.
 
MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA
FINCA YGAY RESERVA
RIOJA SPAIN 2017
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“Incredible depth and intensity on the nose with chocolate, walnut, blackberry and wet-earth aromas. Some iodine, too. All this follows through to a full body with very silky tannins that give the wine depth and length. It’s really framed beautifully. Reserved and tight at the finish. A terrific wine for the cellar. Give this three to five years to open.” (Reviewed October 2021)
96 Points
2009 Monte Real Rioja Gran Reserva Rioja Spain

2009 Monte Real Rioja Gran Reserva Rioja Spain

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MONTE REAL

RIOJA GRAN RESERVA
RIOJA, SPAIN 2009

2009 Monte Real Rioja Gran Reserva Rioja Spain
Founded in 1890, Bodegas Riojanas has deep roots in Rioja, with vineyards in a prime location in Cenicero. Their wines combine the elegance of Rioja Alta with the prowess and fruit of Rioja Alavesa. The 2009 growing season in Rioja is considered one of the most stunning vintages from that decade, according to Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate. One taste of Monte Real’s 2009 Gran Reserva will tell you that; the wine also received Editors’ Choice from Wine Enthusiast upon release in 2017, and it’s only improved since.
 
Visionary winemaker Felipe Nalda celebrated his 45th vintage during the harvest of 2009 as he expertly guided this Gran Reserva into a textbook style of Rioja using traditional large, upright tinajas and American oak barrels, where this wine spent three years before bottling. This aging program provides the distinctive Riojan spice with an integrated silky, smooth texture and layers of flavors that merge into a serene, delightful finish. 
 
MONTE REAL
RIOJA GRAN RESERVA
RIOJA, SPAIN 2009
Retails at: $50
 
 
 
“Aromas of roasted earth, leather and fine oak are more out-front than berry fruit, and that’s the way it should be for a Gran Reserva. This feels bold, lively and still a touch bumpy. Chocolaty oak and vanilla notes rest comfortably on top of ripe berry and black-plum flavors, while the finish is persistently earthy and chocolaty. Drink through 2028.”
93 Points, Editors’ Choice
2015 Altanza Rioja Gran Reserva

2015 Altanza Rioja Gran Reserva

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ALTANZA

RIOJA 2015
GRAN RESERVA

2015 Altanza Rioja Gran Reserva
Located in Rioja Alta, the most historic zone in the region, Bodegas Altanza’s vineyards are terraced throughout river valleys primarily south of the Ebro River. This area is where many of Rioja’s oldest wineries are situated. Tempranillo is the principal variety and has been at the forefront of high-quality, age-worthy wines for more than 150 years.
 
Altanza’s state-of-the-art winery creates timeless wines with an authentic style and a touch of modernity using French and American oak in their aging regimen. The wine team aged the 2015 Rioja Grand Reserva for 27 months in oak before bottling. Rioja’s DOCa law for Grand Reserva then requires wine to spend a minimum of 36 months in the bottle before release, ensuring significant maturation and producing a wine that is stunning upon release and can age for many years.
 
ALTANZA
RIOJA 2015
GRAN RESERVA
 
Your Price: $36
 
 
“Beautiful and deep Gran Reserva. You can really taste classicism here. It has an elegant texture, well-integrated tannins, lots of complexity and notes of roasted fruits, sweet spices, cigar box, dried herbs and sweet oak. Fresh acidity enlivens the vivid, spicy and impressively long finish.”
96 Points