Bodegas Muriel Rioja Gran Reserva 2015

Rioja, Spain 

James Suckling 92 points! 

Bodegas Muriel Rioja Gran Reserva is a beautiful Spanish red of 100% Tempranillo. In 1926, Bodegas Murua was founded by José Murua in Rioja Alavesa, one of the three sub-regions of Rioja. Determined to follow in his father’s footsteps, Julián Murua Entrena began his own wine journey specializing in the art of blending, eventually establishing Bodegas Muriel in 1982. Bodegas Muriel excels at producing elegant and complex Reserva-designated Riojas. The name “Muriel” is a blending that comes from the owners’ last name, Murua, the region of Rioja and the town of Elciego. Julián and his son Javier now run the winery with a mission to meld the long-held winemaking traditions of the region with the new technologies of today.

Muriel Gran Reserva is red ruby in color with a distinctive brick rim. It has a deep and intense nose, showing vanilla notes, coffee, spices, and ripe red fruit. Dry leaves, leather and nutty notes are from the bottle-aging period. On the palate, the wine is balanced and silky. Exceptionally pleasant, this wine has a persistent yet elegant finish. Its complex and intense personality will evolve in a very positive way over the coming years. The wine is aged for 24 months in new French (75%) and American (25%) oak barrels. This is followed by a minimum period of 36 months in the bottle. 

“Leathery nose with some earthy, dusty berries, sous-bois and mint. Still plenty of fruit, with savory plums and cherries. Medium to full body on the palate with dusty tannins and a fluid, elegant finish. A warmer vintage, but still fresh and composed. Long and juicy. Drink now.”—James Suckling, 92 points!

Enjoy Bodegas Muriel Rioja Gran Reserva over the next 8-10 years with roast pork, lamb, grilled steak, paella, and aged cheeses.