Muriel Gran Reserva 2014
Overview
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The nose is deep and intense, offering notes of vanilla, coffee, spices, and ripe red fruit. Aromas of dry leaves, leather and a rich, nutty background are evidence of the bottles aging period. The palate is balanced and silky with an elegant finish. This Gran Reserva has a complex and intense personality that will evolve positively over the coming years. |
Wine Facts
VITICULTURE: The vineyards are, on average, at least 40 years old, around the winery’s hometown of Elciego, in Rioja Alavesa. The soils are clay-limestone, very poor, and suitable for vine-growing. The vines are in a traditional goblet system. The climate is Mediterranean, with a strong Atlantic influence. The 2014 vintage was rainy and cold, requiring hard work in terms of grape selection. The overall harvest was qualified by Rioja’s Regulatory Council as “Good”.
VINIFICATION: The grapes were hand-harvested during the first 10 days of October. Fermentation takes place over 20 days in stainless-steel tanks. 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.
INTERESTING FACT: When choosing to buy a Rioja wine, the four classifications of each Rioja will be clearly labeled on the bottle. For Gran Reserva, this wine is made only during exceptional harvest. A Gran Reserva must be aged a minimum of 5 years, with at least two years in oak.
FAMILY: 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.
Region: Rioja (D.O.Ca.)
Country: Spain
Wine Composition: 100% Tempranillo
Alcohol: 13.5%
Total Acidity: 5.5 G/L
Residual Sugar: 1.7 G/L
pH: 3.58
Press Highlights
2015: 92 Pts - James Suckling, Sept 2024
2014: 93 Pts - James Suckling, May 2022
2012: 92 Pts - James Suckling, Mar 2022
2011: 92 Pts - James Suckling, Sept 2020
2010: 93 Pts - James Suckling, July 2019
2010: 92 Pts - Wine Enthusiast
2006: 91 Pts - Vinous, Feb 2019
2006: 90 Pts - James Suckling, Aug 2018
2005: 93 Pts - James Suckling, July 2017
2005: 90 Pts - Wine Spectator, Feb 2015
2005: 89 Pts - ‘Best Buy’ Wine & Spirits ‘Years Best’ Issue, Dec 2014
2004: 92 Pts - Winereviewonline.com, Marguerite Thomas, Mar 2014
2004: 90 Pts - Wine Advocate #202, Aug 2012
2004 ‘Recommended Reds’ Chicago Tribune – Bill St. John, Apr 2014
2004: 89 Pts - Wine Spectator, Web Only Review 2012
2001: 91 Pts - Wine Advocate, #195 Jun 2011
