Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Gran Reserva 1991

Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Gran Reserva 1991: Some evidence of maturity on inspection, with quite a depth of garnet red colour fading out to a pink-orange rim. The nose is a classic, full of the aromas of polished leather armchairs and raspberry and blackberry fruit, with earthy, medicinal qualities also coming through. Medium bodied on the palate, which is still rich with damson, plum and berry fruit. A good texture, which has a rounded, integrated, slightly oily mouthfeel derived from the polyphenols of barrel maturation that is legally required for a Gran Reserva. There is good acidity too, which leaves the palate cleansed. Approachable now, but doubtless set to develop more complexity over the next 3-5 years. 16.5+/20 (25/10/02)