Marques de Murrieta 2007 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial - Rioja
750ml
8411509075109
$225.00

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- Castillo Ygay is a Gran Reserva Rioja made by Marques de Murrieta in only the best of vintages. It is made from 93% Tempranillo and 7% Mazuelo grown in the Finca Ygay estate that gives this wine its name. The MarquŽs de Murrieta was one of two key pioneers in the production of Rioja. This bodega was established in 1852 and is proudly old-fashioned in its approach. The wines are produced by traditional methods, in wood for a minimum of two years – much longer than at any other bodega. The Gran Reserva is only made in the best vintages and 2005 was probably one of the best in Rioja for the past 20 years. This is a very traditional wine, aged for many years in oak and then many more years in bottle before release. It is light in color and texture, low in alcohol and displays an elegant balance of fruit to oak. The supreme quality of the raw materials has resulted in a wine of great character and depth. The nose is a jamboree of cherries, spice-box and forest floor. The palate is silky and charming, but one gets the feeling it’s built for the longer term, such is the depth of flavor at its core."The aromas of this show an amazing freshness of flowers and herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and violet. Then it goes to raspberry, candy and currants. Black licorice too. A truly great wine on the nose. Full-bodied, racy and linear. So polished. It's like a red ruby. 86% tempranillo and 14% mazuelo in the blend. For release in September 2015. Great length and future. Give it three years or so. Or decant two hours in advance. " 98 points James Suckling
"A worthy follow-up of the 2007, the 2007 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial will be released in late 2015. This is a cuvée of mostly Tempranillo with the balance of Mazuelo (Cariñena), a very important grape for Castillo de Ygay in percentages that vary depending on the vintage, and it's almost 15% in 2007. 2007 was not an easy vintage and in Ygay they had a terrible mildew attack and they lost 50% of the bunches. It's a cold, rainy year, but because of that circumstance the wine is concentrated. This is still a baby, long and with depth and tannins that should melt in a couple of years. Compared with the 2005 it is fresher, perhaps not as concentrated, but for me the extra freshness compensates and puts it at a very similar quality level. And the rule of thumb is to wait at least ten years after the harvest to start uncorking any Castillo de Ygay. Cheap it is not, but very good value it is, for the quality it delivers. 110,000 bottles were produced. There will be no Castillo de Ygay in 2008, but there will be 2009, 2010 and 2011. That's something exceptional to have three vintages in a row.." 95+ points Luis Gutierrez The Wine Advocate
"Lively and graceful, offering bright cherry, vanilla, clove and tobacco flavors that mingle harmoniously over well-integrated tannins, this red is not muscular but focused and expressive, balanced and long. Drink now through 2022. 9,135 cases made, 2,000 cases imported." 92 points Wine Spectator - Reviews
- Wine Rating
95+ Wine Advocate