Notes from the Winemaker:
Vineyards: Situated at 500 m above sea level at our 300ha Ygay Estate (Rioja Alta). Made only at the excellent quality vintages.
Grapes: 87% Tempranillo, 13% Mazuelo.
Type of casks: 225 L, American oak casks.
Time in casks: 34 months.
Time in bottle: A minimum of 3 years before being released to the market.
Recommended foods: All red meats, roasts and game, cured ham and cheeses.
Ratings / Reviews:
Wine & Spirits Magazine - 93 Points:"From Finca Ygay, one of the great estates of Rioja Alta, this wine is particularly concentrated due to April frosts, which reduced the crop to 60 percent of normal. The Gran Reserva Especial has historically been aged for decades at the bodega; this vintage, released after eight years, is still tight and closed. But even when it's first poured, the wine's sophistication shows in the firm mesh of the structure. It expands as it takes on air, developing the ease and give that makes this 2000 delicious to drink now, a spicy red for thick-cut lamb chops." (12/08)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 90+ Points:
"There are 8400 cases of the 2000 Gran Reserva Especial Castillo Ygay, a blend of 87% Tempranillo and 13% Mazuelo aged for 34 months in American oak barriques. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up an enticing perfume of cedar, pencil lead, earth notes, and black fruits. This leads to a supple-textured, layered wine with ample black cherry, spice, and blackberry flavors. The lengthy wine has excellent grip and enough structure to evolve for another 3-5 years. It should be at its peak from 2010 to 2022.
Marques de Murietta remains a benchmark for traditional Rioja. Like many traditional producers in Rioja, Marques de Murietta has begun fashioning a modern (some would say international) style of Rioja." - Jay Miller (4/2008)
