This beautiful winery in the heart of ‘La Rioja’ is not only a great example of what world-class winemaking is about, but it also has a lot of history behind it. It’s founder ‘Don Luciano Francisco Ramón de Murrieta’ was not only one of the most loyal and renowned wine makers in the ‘Rioja’ region of Spain, but also a commander in the royal Spanish forces back in the 1840′s. In 1852, he filled 100 casks containing 72 liters of his wine and shipped them from Spain directly to Cuba and Mexico. In 1878, ‘Don Luciano’ purchased the ‘Ygay‘ Estate in the heart of ‘Logroño’, capital of ‘La Rioja’ and the legacy began.

In 1907 he was named Honorary Freeman of ‘La Rioja’, thanks to all his contributions to the wine industry, always helping the poor and supporting the advancement of the city. In 1911 ‘Don Luciano’ died without any heirs and his nephew ‘Julián de Olivares’ inherited the vineyard. In 1983, the Count of Creixell ‘Don Vicente Cebrián’  bought the winery and decided to make it one of the best wineries in the world. In 1996, ‘Don Vicente’ passed away at the very young age of 48 and it was then when his wife and children took over his work and decided to carry on with the saga.

 ‘Marqués de Murrieta’ Reserva 2005 is not only a great wine, but a wine that is moderately priced and very affordable. The wine has a full body and the distinguished character of the wines that come from the ‘Ygay‘ Estate.

The color is bright cherry with garnet glints. Musky notes on the nose. Excellent harmony in the mouth with hints of: blackberry, pepper and olives; the aging of this wine results in a well balanced, full-bodied taste with almost no tannins. On the palate, powerful, extraordinary and elegant. This wine pairs nicely with ‘Manchego’ or ‘Idiazabal’ cheese as well as with Venison Paté. On a scale from 0-10 we give this wine an 9.1 Retail Price Range in the U.S.: $22-28 Overall, is an excellent wine with elegance and sophistication for a very modest price.