The 2009 Marques de Murrieta Dalmau Reserva is a proprietary blend hailing from the renowned Rioja region of Spain. Produced by Marques de Murrieta, this red wine is a blend of 74% Tempranillo, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 11% Graciano, sourced from a single vineyard called Canaja, planted in 1950. The vineyard yields one kilo of grapes per plant, indicating a focus on quality over quantity.

The wine’s production process is meticulous. Each varietal is fermented separately in stainless steel and oak vats. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in new Allier barrels, where it matures for twenty months. For the first 13-14 months, the varietals are kept separate, only to be blended later and left to settle in concrete vats for six months before bottling. This results in a total production of 22,500 bottles.

Luis Gutiérrez from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 2009 Dalmau Reserva a score of 94. He notes that this vintage was released after skipping the 2008 bottling, showcasing a "more modern profile than the Reserva or the Castillo de Ygay." Gutiérrez describes the wine as displaying a "dark ruby color" with a serious nose featuring balsamic and minty notes. Aromas of licorice, cedar wood, smoke, and cigar ash are complemented by a mixture of red and black fruits and spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. He adds that the wine feels "more Atlantic than Mediterranean."

On the palate, the 2009 Dalmau Reserva is described as round and elegant, with great acidity, a multi-dimensional character, and a very long finish. This wine is recommended for drinking between 2014 and 2028, showcasing its potential for aging.

In summary, the 2009 Marques de Murrieta Dalmau Reserva is a well-crafted, modern Rioja blend that has garnered excellent reviews for its complexity, elegance, and aging potential.