Why Buy: From one of the greatest winemaking families in Spain, the legendary Murrieta, a 100-point Rioja that just might be their finest achievement this century. A blockbuster of a wine, and an absolute can't-miss for collectors.

What They're Saying: James Suckling called it one for the ages, likening it to the 1934 and 1964 vintages, both legends. In his 100-point lovesong, he swooned over its aromatics ("dried flower, mushroom, iron, rust, sweet berry, and grilled orange"), its "balance" and "finesse," its "very elegant and refined tannins that melt in the mouth and give a real sense of place and integrity" and its "endless" finish.

The Story: Tradition matters at Murrieta  (you can't house yourself in a castle – Ygay Castle, one of the oldest buildings in all of Europe – and not value tradition); but age doesn't define the winery, the oldest family-owned estate in Rioja. No, the animating force here is a quest for greatness in every vintage, and a disdain for hidebound thinking. Under the direction of Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga, this is a young and hungry operation that embraces innovation and is constantly looking for ways to refine its methods. In his time, the estate has made a point of scaling down, not up. It espouses low-yields and limited production, along with careful, gentle cellaring to bring the wines to maturity before they are released to the public. This approach has required no shortage of either patience or money, but the rewards have been enormous, with Murrieta known far and wide not just as a paragon of Rioja, but as the maker of some of the most sophisticated and rewarding expressions to be found in all of Europe.

Our Tasting Notes: In our recent tasting, we reveled in the marvelous duality on display. This is a muscular wine, with remarkable weight and depth. But there's also extraordinary definition here, and a finesse and suppleness that other, chewier Riojas miss. The benefits of Murrieta's long-cellaring were unmistakable. This is not just a mature wine, but a wine beyond its years, and its grace and elegance will give you many hours of indescribable pleasure.

What to Pair It With: Ideally, nothing, the better to savor its layers and charms. But it will go beautifully with a tomahawk steak, a rack of roast pork, or a long-braised lamb.

ABV: 14%.

Fun Fact: Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga is the son of a count.

Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!