Marqués de Murrieta 2019

The 2019 vintage of Marqués de Murrieta is another step forward in the history of this Rioja legend. Expressive, fluid and silky, it's a classic adapted to new times. The winery's technical director, María Vargas, singles out this 2019 vintage (rated Excellent by the Consejo Regulador) for its "exceptional ripeness and impeccable texture".

James Suckling: A precise, refined red with notes of cherry, plum, slate, iron and powdered earth. Medium- to full-bodied, with sublime tannins beautifully integrated into the wine. Structured, but with very silky tannins. A carefully made, well-thought-out wine. Aged for two years in American oak (10% new) and 14 months in bottle. Sophisticated and very pleasant to drink, but with great ageing potential. Drink now or keep.

Tim Atkin: Making 1.2 million bottles of this Reserva is our "great challenge", according to María Vargas, but it's a challenge she masters brilliantly. Combining Tempranillo with 6% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo and 2% Garnacha, this structured, intense red still keeps its youth. Masterfully aged in American oak, it shows flavours of Asian spice, blackberry, wild strawberry and liquorice. 2026-2040.

The Wine Advocate: The 2019 Rioja Reserva, the winery's flagship, comes from 300 hectares of their own vineyards. Tempranillo is the backbone, 87% of the wine in this low-yield vintage, complemented by 6% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo and 2% Garnacha. This is the second vintage in the new winery. It's a balsamic, spicy version — a wine with structure, aged longer in barrel, becoming more traditional and serious. Ripe, with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 5.3 grams of acidity. They seek balance between fruit and oak, prioritising freshness. A year of greater power.