The 2004 Dalmau Reserva is sourced from a single 50+ year old plot within the 300 hectare Ygay estate. Made from a blend of 86% Tempranillo, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Graciano, the wine was aged for 21 months in new French barriques. Dark ruby/purple-colored, it reveals an aromatic array of toasty new oak, spice box, mineral, blueberry, and black currants. Considerably more powerful than its traditionally made siblings, on the palate if is full-bodied, firm, layered, and quite concentrated. The spicy flavors fall on the dark side of the spectrum with blackberry, plum, and black currant in the forefront. The wine has at least a decade of aging potential and will be at its peak from 2015 to 2030 although it can be enjoyed now with a charcoal-grilled ribeye. Marques de Murietta remains a benchmark for traditional Rioja. Like many traditional producers in Rioja, Marques de Murietta has begun fashioning a modern (some would say international) style of Rioja. Importer: Maisons Marques & Domaines USA; Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

This plush red delivers sweet berry and black plum fruit, with chocolate and toasty oak notes that give way to a floral, spicy finish. Velvety, yet has enough tannin for grip. Drink now through 2010. 1,973 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

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, berry pie and mocha help the finish hold court and then fade away. Already good but best from 2010–2020.——M.S.(8/1/2008)—— 95