Marques De Murrieta Castillo Ygay Rioja Gran Reserva 2007
Tasting notes
A living legend of Rioja, which has survived three centuries, destined to break records for its surprising vivacity of intense cherry color which gives an amazing complexity. Its nose exhibits an aromatic intensity which seduces us with its red fruits, floral notes of truffles, incense and spicy touches. It caresses the palate with satin texture. A Gran Reserva that shows strength, elegant bouquet, fruity intensity and impeccable balance.
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. - James Suckling, 98 pts
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. - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95+ pts
Appealing red fruits sweep across a sweet and succulent palate. Lively fruit and finely grained, grippy tannins. Great drinkability and superb balance. - Decanter, 93 pts
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. 905 cases imported. - Wine Spectator, 92 pts
Jammy, lightly baked aromas of blackberry and raisin rank as sweet. Hailing from a weak vintage, this feels chunky and raisiny. Flavors of stewed plum and prune follow the lead set by the nose, while this finishes chewy, with spice notes and moderate complexity. - Wine Enthusiast, 90 pts
