“Sourced from the large and diverse Finca Ygay estate in Rioja Alta, the 2018 Marqués de Murrieta is predominantly Tempranillo, with a touch of Mazuelo and Garnacha Tinta. Aged for 24 months in American oak barrels, this garnet-hued wine features fruit-forward notes of sour cherry and elderberry, complemented by a layer of wild herbs and an oaky core. Dry, silky and juicy, the precise palate is delicate and nuanced, with fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity. This is a classically styled Rioja with a modern twist, crafted from a textbook vintage for the region.”

In 1997, the inaugural release of Dalmau marked a significant moment in Rioja. It symbolized a move toward intensifying the region's wines in a fruit-forward, New World style. The 2019 Dalmau continues to tread this path, showcasing a blend of 86% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Graciano. It hails from the esteemed Pago Canajas within the Ygay Estate, planted back in 1950 in Rioja Alta. Aged for 20 months in French oak barrels followed by an additional six months in concrete vats, this purple-hued wine unfolds with aromas of bay leaf and herbs, intertwined with subtle chutney-like undertones. Layers of black fruit, cassis and delicate hints of mocha and cacao contribute to its complexity. Dry, rich and tightly structured, the wine's reactive tannins and well-balanced palate leave a lasting impression with a substantial mouthfeel. The 2019 Dalmau is a Rioja that elegantly embraces a calibrated nod to the New World style.

The 2016 Gran Reserva is a meticulously crafted blend of 82% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 8% Mazuelo sourced from the esteemed Ygay Estate in Rioja Alta. It aged for up to 26 months in American oak barrels. This wine epitomizes the essence of Rioja reds when vineyard management and winemaking precision align with a distinct stylistic vision. Presenting an opaque garnet hue, it entices with a bouquet of complex aromas: plum marmalade, herbal undertones, maraschino cherry, dried fruits, licorice and subtle hints of balsamic and menthol. On the palate, it offers a dry and robust profile with a velvety, juicy texture. The finish is long, balanced and harmonious. The 2016 vintage exemplifies a wine crafted for aging, just beginning to reveal the nuances and intricacies of a bouquet that will evolve with time.

The 2012 Gran Reserva Especial Castillo Ygay is 81% Tempranillo and 19% Mazuelo sourced from La Plana vineyard, planted on the Ygay Estate, Rioja Alta. Aged for 34 months in French and American oak barrels, this wine offers displays a garnet color with a brick sheen. It reveals a complex aroma of bee wax, dried flowers, cassis, sour cherry, cedar and vanilla, with a candied layer. Dry, silky and fairly juicy, the fine-grained tannins and heightened acidity deliver a cleansing, long-lasting finish. This exceptional wine exudes energy and demonstrates proven aging potential, making it one to savor and age gracefully.

A harmonious, medium-bodied white, with a creamy mesh of creamed apple, lemon curd, toasted hazelnut and lime blossom notes. Shows good length and a pleasing roundness on the palate, with a fresh, spiced finish. Drink now through 2029.