Dalmau, the ultrapremium Tempranillo blend from Marques de Murrieta, is 65% pricier in 2004 than ’03. And that might be justified. This is a spectacular wine in every sense of the word. The nose blends alluring scents of smoke, asphalt, rubber and black fruit. The palate is saturated and smooth, with black cherry and blackberry flavors leading the way. Coffee…
— M.S.
(8/1/2008)
Dalmau strikes again in 2005! This icon wine from Marqués de Murrieta strikes all the right chords. The nose is round, toasty, warm and exotic, with huge berry and plum aromas sexed up by well-applied, fined-grained wood notes. It’s lush but balanced, with mineral, violet and bitter chocolate nuances adding complexity. Husky in size, but maintains its form and balance.
— M.S.
(6/1/2009)
Concentrated to the max, with young, closed aromas of coconut, charcoal, mint leaf, leather, hot pavement and black fruit. The palate is juvenile, full and warm, and it delivers a jolt of meaty black fruit, licorice and baking-spice flavors. Toasty late, with no shortage of structure and oak. Should age well for a decade or so.
— M.S.
(11/1/2010)
This wine shows that old dogs can be taught new tricks. Murrieta is about as traditional as they come in Rioja yet Dalmau is ultra modern. The nose is a smooth mix of plum, raspberry and tobacco, while the sizable palate pushes oak-backed berry fruit. Runs racy but not particularly aggressive. Long and satisfying on the finish.
— M.S.
(6/1/2005)
This is a single-vineyard wine with pedigree. The tint is toward orange, with a brick center. The nose deals intoxicating vanilla, marzipan and sweet leather, while the palate picks up the pace with fruit, density and subtlety. Wonderful texture; drink over next five years.
— M.S.
(9/1/2004)
This old-vines blend of mostly Tempranillo, Graciano and Cabernet Sauvignon is full of berry and cherry fruit. It comes on a lighter frame than some, with more raspberry and cherry on the palate than jam. For a new-age wine, it’s textbook in that it isn’t overdone. Chocolate, cherry and coffee carry the long finish.
— M.S.
(9/1/2004)
Starts out a bit flat, with milk chocolate and raisiny aromas. With airing it evolves and expands, showing snappy flavors of berry, raisin and brown sugar. Very solid on the finish and elegant as an aged Rioja gran reserva should be. Drink now through 2015.
— M.S.
(10/1/2011)
Lucid yellow in the glass, yet lightly oxidized on the nose. A spacy, unique Viura. There’s dry apricot and peach pit flavors, and the mouthfeel and acidity are impeccable. A treat for explorers; eschews all blueprints for modern white wine.
— M.S.
(6/1/2008)