Marques de Murrieta Rioja Reserva Finca Ygay 2014

Wine Spectator 92 points - This red has a lovely texture, polished and deep. The flavors are a bit muted, but reveal notes of cherry preserves, candied orange, dried herbs and vanilla, with light, firm tannins and orange peel acidity. Harmonious, in the traditional style. Drink now through 2026. 10,000 cases imported. -TM.May/2018

Wine & Spirits 91 points - This 2014 has the gracious and subtle earthiness of the best wines from Ygay, one of Rioja’s top estates. Its subtle richness is grounded by oak tannins while a quiet burst of raspberry flavor gives it just enough amplitude to seek out food without obliterating it. Decant a bottle for roast leg of lamb..December/2018

Vinous 92 points - (aged for 19 months in new and used American oak barrels) Deep bright-hued ruby. Ripe cherry and red berries on the perfumed nose, hints of coconut, white pepper and rose oil adding complexity. Shows very good depth and energy on the palate, offering smoke-laced bitter cherry and cassis flavors that turn sweeter with aeration. Smooth tannins shape a long, penetrating finish that leaves a sexy hint of mocha behind..February/2019

Wine Advocate 93 points - The blend of the 2014 Rioja Reserva is very similar to the 2013, 84% Tempranillo with 9% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo and 2% Garnacha. 2014 was a somewhat-challenging vintage, with warm and cold spells and some rain during the summer. The fermentation usually lasts eight days with pigeage and remontage, pressed and put to age in 225-liter American oak barrels for 19 months. This is still a little young and has had less time in bottle. It might need a little bit more time in bottle. The nose is subtle and very harmonious, with aromas of red cherries and some aromatic herbs. The palate is soft, it has a velvety texture with polished, round tannins, and there is a subtlety and harmony that is laudable. 900,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in seven lots between July and September 2017..February/2018

James Suckling 91 points - Quite a complex nose of forest berries and caramel. Medium-bodied with a silky texture for a relatively young red of this quality level. Well integrated, rather supple tannins, only the finish turning slightly dry. Drink or hold..August/2018

Made from Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, this wine embodies ripe fruit qualities with a perfect balance of acidity, supple roundness on the palate and a hint of new oak. The Marques de Murrieta vineyards on the 741-acre (300-hectare) Ygay Estate are located in Rioja Alta between 420 meters to 500 meters above sea level. The Cebrian-Sagarriga family, who in 1983 acquired the winery, established in 1852, has a distinct winemaking philosophy that is founded in the pursuit of quality and excellence through tradition and innovation.

The Marques de Murrieta Red Reserva pairs well with red meats and cured ham as well as grilled fish and dishes with rich sauces. We recommend you decant the wine 20 minutes before serving it at 16º to 18ºC.