The 2005 Dalmau has a fine, introspective nose that demands coaxing from the glass. Notes of raspberry, wild strawberry, chamomile and pain grille are all well-defined and cloaked in well-integrated new oak. The palate is full-bodied with succulent ripe tannins that effortlessly carry the weight of its layered raspberry and wild strawberry fruit. The acidity keeps it balanced and fresh, lending the finish the requisite tension, while the finish is focused and lithe with subtle hints of brown sugar and mandarin. Drink this little beauty from 2014-2025. One of the most famous names in Rioja, Marques de Murrieta was founded in 1852 by Luciano Murrieta, who was inspired by his three-year sojourn in Bordeaux. In 1983 it was purchased by Vicente Dalmau Cebrian-Sagarriga and presently, winemaker Maria Vargas oversees their portfolio that includes both modern and classic styles of Rioja. The 300 hectares of vines on the Ygay Estate in La Rioja Alta allows them to control the quality and within this estate they have singled out specific parcels for their flagship wines. I will start with the white wines. I must confess that I was alarmed by the amount of oxidation shown by the three vintages of Capellania Blanco Reserva that I tasted. Both bottles of the 2005 and 2006 appeared to be excessively oxidized to a degree that I will not pass judgement. Importer: Maisons Marques & Domaines, Oakland CA; tel. (510) 587-2000.

This modern red is bursting with ripe flavors of blackberry and boysenberry, sweetened with chocolate oak, round and plush on the palate. Yet well-integrated tannins give structure, and the finish is fresh, with pretty floral notes. Drink now through 2012. 1,950 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Deep, dark ruby. Spicy berry fruit, vanilla, sweet wood, sweet red fruits, yet quite precise, fine mineral and also cool, a lot of coconut. Silky palate, with fine acidity and firm tannins, good concentration, but the tannins from the wood are a bit strong and are still drying. Sweet abundance. Lang - but also from alcohol.

Dalmau strikes again in 2005! This icon wine from Marques de Murrieta strikes all the right chords. The nose is round, toasty, warm and exotic, with huge berry and plum aromas sexed up by well-applied, fined-grained wood notes. It’s lush but balanced, with mineral, violet and bitter chocolate nuances adding complexity. Husky in size, but maintains its form and balance.——M.S.(6/1/2009)—— 93