Marqués de Murrieta is one of Rioja’s foundational estates, established in 1852 by Luciano de Murrieta and long considered part of the region’s “aristocracy”. Centered at the historic Castillo Ygay estate, purchased in 1872, the winery blends deep tradition with modern precision under current owner Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga and winemaker María Vargas. Its wines—most famously the age‑worthy Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva, produced since 1877—reflect a classic yet refined Rioja style shaped by meticulous vineyard work and a renewed focus on estate expression.
A great commitment to excellence translated into an elegant and precise wine that dazzles with its appealing fragrance and indelible finish. Pairs beautifully with milk-fed lamb chops with buttermilk, asparagus and red wine; suckling pig confit with its crunchy skin and caramelized apple.
95 Decanter 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. Drinking Window: 2025-2033.
94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2020 Rioja Reserva, their flagship wine, comes from the 300 hectares of estate vineyards. Here, Tempranillo is the backbone, making up 82% of the blend in the low-yielding vintage of 2019, complemented with 8% Graciano, 7% Mazuelo and 3% Garnacha. It has controlled ripeness at 14% alcohol, with a pH of 3.65 and 5.1 grams of acidity. I loved the aromatics here—floral and elegant, more in the style of the 2018 than the 2019. it's lighter, more elegant, fine-boned and has a silky texture and very fine tannins. Both 2019 and 2020 are very good, but 2020 is more my style. 980,000 bottles produced. It was bottled after 21 months in American oak barrels. Drink: 2024-2034. Rating: 94+
94 James Suckling Harmonious, textbook Rioja that shows cedar, spiced strawberries, vanilla and plums. Really polished on the palate, with fresh acidity and a linear, lengthy finish. Very subtle extraction makes this a really balanced, harmonious Rioja that’s appealing now. But the balance will help it age well for the next few years.
