Handford Wines

Often called “the Original Rioja”, Murrieta is a wonderful mix of the old and the new. Big old oak casks, mature vines, basket press (now electrically, not horse powered) epitomise the bygone days. A motorway sadly driven through the vineyards, a huge replanting program (funded by the stone quarried from the high up site), an extraordinary device for mixing the solids and liquids during fermentation and a new owner, the family of the Marques de Creixell, since 1990 represent some recent changes. There is a stunning collection of old vintages in the cellar. Originally established in 1852 a new generation took over in 1996 with Vincente Dalmau who proceeded to revolutionise the entire estate, investing significantly in the vineyards and the winery to take the bodega into the 21st century.The 2000 also marked a new generation in the winemaking team with Maria Vargas as the head winemaker. Like Vincente Dalmau, Maria brings youth and modern ideas to the historic bodega.

The Wine

The wine has a new livery in a more Burgundian bottle and certainly almost tastes like a wine from that area. Aged for 24 months in American oak it is finely made with lovely integated oak not dominating the fruit. " Golden yellow. Powerful aroma rich in crianza nuances of wax and nuts. Full, oily, complex and warm on the palate with dried mountain herbs and bitter tannins well compensated by the alcohol." The Penin Guide

Single Bottle: £18.99

In a case of 12: £18.04