Marques de Murrieta Gran Reserva 2016 750ml

Product Info

94+pts Wine Advocate
A barrel selection of the most age-worthy wines from the vintage make the 2016 Gran Reserva, this year a blend of 82% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 8% Mazuelo selected from their 300 hectares of vineyards. The grapes were picked between October 10th and 18th. The destemmed and lightly crushed grapes were fermented by plot and variety in stainless steel, and the varieties were aged separately in American barrels for 26 months. It has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.56 and 5.4 grams of acidity. Tasting this in the context of the current vintages, it's clear that we're talking about a different era—more traditional, meatier, not as precise as other wines from more recent years, quite balsamic but with a solid palate, texture and balance, halfway between tradition and modernity. 67,045 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2019.

In September 2023, the Cebrián-Sagarriga family celebrated its 40th anniversary as owners of Marqués de Murrieta, which they bought in 1983. In 1996, Vicente Dalmau Cebrián took the reins of the winery, driving a deep transformation, and he continues today, relentlessly trying to improve every year. It's pretty amazing how the wines feel better each year, like a winery on its way up. Published: Feb 29, 2024 Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

Terroir
Marqués de Murrieta’s Gran Reserva is sourced primarily from the historic Finca Ygay estate in Rioja, situated on the southern slopes just outside Logroño. The vineyards rest between 320–485 meters above sea level on limestone-rich clay soils with alluvial components, providing both drainage and structural backbone.

Rioja’s continental climate, moderated by Atlantic influence, allows for long growing seasons with warm days and cool evenings. The 2016 vintage was exceptional—balanced, extended, and marked by ideal ripening conditions. Healthy fruit, moderate yields, and excellent phenolic maturity resulted in wines of depth, precision, and remarkable aging potential.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
The 2016 Gran Reserva is composed of 82% Tempranillo, complemented by small percentages of Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha. Grapes are hand harvested and meticulously sorted before fermentation in stainless steel with controlled temperatures to preserve aromatic clarity.

Extended maceration builds structure and color, followed by aging in American oak barrels for approximately 24–30 months. The wine then undergoes additional bottle aging prior to release, in accordance with Gran Reserva regulations. The American oak imparts classic Rioja signatures—vanilla, spice, and subtle coconut—while allowing the fruit and earthy undertones to remain central.

The result is a wine that harmonizes tradition with precision.

Tasting Notes
The 2016 displays a deep garnet hue with brick-tinged edges beginning to emerge. Aromatically, it is layered and expressive: black cherry, plum, and dried cranberry unfold alongside notes of tobacco, vanilla, cedar, and sweet baking spice. Hints of leather, forest floor, and balsamic add complexity.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet refined, with polished tannins and vibrant acidity supporting a core of dark and red fruit. Oak influence is seamlessly integrated, contributing nuances of clove, cocoa, and toasted spice. The texture is silky but structured, reflecting both the vintage’s concentration and the estate’s disciplined aging regimen.

The finish is long and elegant, carrying dried fruit, spice, and subtle savory notes.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–65°F and decant for 90 minutes when young. The wine pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, suckling pig, grilled ribeye, or slow-braised beef. It also complements aged Manchego, mushroom dishes, and traditional Spanish cuisine featuring paprika and herbs.

Its balance of maturity and structure makes it particularly suited to celebratory meals and refined preparations.

Cellaring & Longevity
The 2016 Gran Reserva is built for extended aging. While approachable now with proper decanting, optimal drinking is expected from 2026 through 2045 and beyond.

Over time, primary fruit will continue to evolve toward dried fig, leather, truffle, and earthy spice, gaining tertiary complexity while maintaining its vibrant core. Properly cellared, it has the structure and pedigree to age gracefully for 25–30+ years, standing as a benchmark expression of traditional Rioja.