2004 Castillo Ygay, Gran Reserva Especial, Marqués de Murrieta, Rioja, Spain
- Red
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- Tempranillo
- Neal Martin MW
- 95/100
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Product: 20048139445
Description
The legendary Ygay property is located at an altitude of 500m in the heart of the Rioja Alta. The 2004 Gran Reserva Especial is a blend of 93% Tempranillo and 7% Mazuelo. After fermentation in stainless steel the wine has been allowed to age in barrique for 29 months, of which nearly a third has been spent in new barrels. To complement this generous intervention is the natural benevolence of the vintage; 2004 is now lauded in the same way as 2001 and 1994.
This is borne out by the quality of the fruit, the pedigree of the aromas and the impressive length. Earth, spice and black cherry dance with dexterity over the palate, and there is great finesse and charm on the finish. Just starting to drink, good for a decade or more.
Simon Field MW, Fine Wine Buyer
This is borne out by the quality of the fruit, the pedigree of the aromas and the impressive length. Earth, spice and black cherry dance with dexterity over the palate, and there is great finesse and charm on the finish. Just starting to drink, good for a decade or more.
Simon Field MW, Fine Wine Buyer
Colour Red
Sweetness Dry
Vintage 2004
Alcohol % 14
Grape List Tempranillo
Body Medium Bodied
Property Marqués de Murrieta
Critics reviews
Neal Martin MW 95/100
The 2004 Castille Ygay Gran Reserva Especial has a delightful bouquet with scents of leather, mocha, freshly ground coffee beans and red berry fruit. It has a perfume that encapsulates everything there is to love about classic Rioja. The palate is a little viscous on the entry with hints of dried fig and dates. It is interwoven by a crisp thread of acidity and displays fine, slightly powdery tannins. There is abundant freshness and vitality: a Rioja speaking of its place with eloquence and clarity. This paragon of classic Rioja lives up to its evocative label. Drink now-2025+.Neil Martin - 31/08/2012
About this wine
Tempranillo/Tinto Fino
A high quality red wine grape that is grown all over Spain except in the hot South - it is known as Tinto Fino in Ribera del Duero, Cencibel in La Mancha and Valdepenas and Ull de Llebre in Catalonia. Its spiritual home is in Rioja and Navarra where it constitutes around 70% of most red blends.
Marques de Murrieta
Marqués de Murrieta was one of two pioneers in the production of Rioja wines, this bodega was established in 1852 and is proudly old-fashioned in its approach. All the grapes are sourced from the bodega's own vineyards at Ygay near Logroño, which were recently extended to 300ha. Traditional grape varities are grown Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo, Garnacha Blanca and Viura, many of which have now disappeared from the region.