Dalmau 2014

How much better can Dalmau get? It’s exceptionally finely balanced, a perfect expression of a single vineyard within the estate, resoundingly full of black fruit, dark chocolate, liquorice. A powerful wine, but never overbearing, even in its youth. Wonderful to enjoy now, but will seriously reward cellaring. - Sarah Jane Evans MW.
 

Unlike the other Murrieta reds, Dalmau is aged exclusively in new French oak. Made with a blend of Tempranillo, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Graciano, all from the Canajas vineyard, this is a supremely elegant, refined wine that has classic leaf and green herb notes, subtle, aromatic oak and the freshness and focus of a cooler, wetter vintage. 2022-35.

With its bell-pepper cabernet touch and rather sinewy tannins, this is unique Rioja. All of this is wrapped in the warmth and richness of tempranillo, but the cabernet shows again in the long, dry finish. Just beginning to open up, but plenty of freshness. From 90-year-old vines. Drink or hold.

The more modern of the portfolio, the 2014 Dalmau Reserva is a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Graciano from the Pago Canajas in the Murrieta estate. The varieties fermented separately for around 11 days, the Tempranillo in stainless steel and the rest in small oak vats. The wine matured in French oak barrels for 21 months. I tasted the following two vintages, which felt quite different, especially the 2016. This 2014 is a slightly weaker vintage and feels a little more marked by the élevage with some cedary notes, smoky and spicy with the herbal twist from the Cabernet. It has a minty touch, some fine-grained tannins and a round and elegant palate. This is the only wine from Murrieta that ages in 100% new French oak. 15,040 bottles were filled in July 2018.