Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva 2011

The wine in this vintage

A warm, generous vintage, 2011 in Rioja gave modest yields and concentrated grapes, producing rich, structured wines that critics received very favourably. Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2011 makes the most of that fullness without losing its characteristic finesse: blackberry, dark cherry, prune, liquorice, leather, tobacco, exotic spice and forest floor make up an intense bouquet, while the palate is broad, with dense but polished tannins and a long, warm finish. Robert Parker and Wine Enthusiast both rated it 97 points. After the long ageing required before release, the wine is now harmonious and already enjoyable, yet it has the structure to keep evolving in the cellar for a long time.

The producer · Marques de Murrieta

Founded in 1852 by Luciano de Murrieta, a pioneer who studied Bordeaux techniques and was among the first in Rioja to make wines for ageing and export, Marqués de Murrieta is one of Spain's historic wineries. Its heart is Finca Ygay, an estate on the outskirts of Logroño, in Rioja Alta, whose own vineyards surround the castle that gives its name to the house's most famous wine. Since the 1980s the estate has belonged to the Cebrián-Sagarriga family, now led by Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga, who renewed vineyards and winery while keeping strong ties with tradition. The range includes the Reserva, the white Capellanía, Dalmau and above all Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, made only in exceptional years from Tempranillo and Mazuelo grown on the estate's highest plots and given long ageing in barrel and bottle. Wines of great elegance and longevity that embody the classic face of Rioja.

Critics' scores

• 97 Robert Parker
• 97 Wine Enthusiast
• 94 Wine Spectator

Technical details

Producer

Marques de Murrieta

Region

Rioja

Country

Spagna

Type

Rosso

Vintage

2011

When to drink

Hold, still evolving

Critics' average

96/100

Sizes

75 cl, Magnum 150 cl, Case of 6 × 75 cl

eWibe code

0900111