Dalmau 2020 Marqués de Murrieta is hailed by Decanter as ‘the most sophisticated modern Rioja,’ awarding it 95 points. Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) concurs with 95 points, while James Suckling and Tim Atkin MW both scored an impressive 96. For us, it’s simply one of the finest expressions of modern Rioja—powerful concentration meets effortless elegance.
Marqués de Murrieta is one of Spain’s most historic wineries, founded in 1852. The estate is located east of Logroño, which at the time of its construction belonged to the Rioja Oriental (Rioja Baja) sub region. However, it was decided that Murrieta could not remain in what was considered an inferior subregion, so the boundaries were moved to include it in La Rioja Alta. Its founder, Don Luciano Murrieta, was a true pioneer, introducing barrel aging techniques inspired by Bordeaux. Since 1983, the estate has been owned by the Cebrián-Sagarriga family, and the name Dalmau honors Count Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga.
Dalmau 2020 comes from the Canajas vineyard, planted in 1950 at an altitude of 465 meters. The blend consists of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Graciano. Harvest is done by hand, and fermentation takes place in Allier oak vats. After fermentation, the wine ages for 17 months in French Allier oak barrels, followed by 13 months in concrete tanks.
It’s truly rare and difficult to achieve that golden balance—a wine with impressive concentration, rich palate, and generous oak that remains uniquely elegant and perfectly harmonious. Dalmau 2020 makes it look effortless!
