Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva 2016 (14%)

A 2016 Gran Reserva Rioja from Marqués de Murrieta, produced exclusively from the Ygay Estate in Rioja Alta. The estate was founded in 1852 by Luciano de Murrieta and its vineyards sit between 320 and 485 metres in altitude. The blend is 82% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 8% Mazuelo. It was aged for 26 months in 225-litre American oak barrels, followed by three years in bottle before release. The 2016 vintage was crafted during a period of modernisation, including a new gravity-fed winery facility. Deep ruby-red with garnet highlights, it offers black cherries, plums, black olives, autumn leaves, Earl Grey tea, graphite and cocoa powder. Medium-to-full-bodied and harmonious, with fine-grained chalky tannins, vibrant freshness, savory depth and a long fragrant finish with red licorice and dried lavender.