Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2009 (750ML)

96+ Points, Christopher Deas, Zachys Buying Team: "Tasted twice with Count Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga. The historic Castillo Ygay is always made from grapes sourced from La Plana single-vineyard, planted in 1950 and located on a plateau at the highest point of Finca Ygay, at 485 meters above sea level. In 2009 the Ygay Gran Reserva is a bigger, richer expression sporting an inviting liquid velvet texture, while remaining light on its feet. The aromatics jump across the table ans scream Spain. There is a purity of fruit that meets the savory side of Spain and you can expect to find, red and black fruit, dried berries, Asian spices, chalky minerality, tomato leaf, red fruit, herbs, it's all packed in. Serious wine at another level. There is awesome depth and this is a wine that can please the Burghead, the ardent Bordeaux collector, and Rhône ranger. And while traditional, it is not as extreme as Lopez. Old school wine enthusiasts will fall in love with this wine."

96 Points, Luis Gutierrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Marqués de Murrieta didn't produce their top red in 2008, so I tasted the 2009 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial. In 2009, the final blend was Tempranillo with 19% Mazuelo (or Cariñena), one of the highest percentages of Mazuelo ever. The grapes are now sourced from the La Plana vineyard within the Ygay estate, one of the higher-altitude plots at 485 meters. The grapes fermented and aged separately, the Tempranillo in American oak barrels and the Mazuelo in French barriques for 26 months, given its power. It has that seriousness, character and somehow rusticity of the Mazuelo, austere, harmonious and still young. It has good depth and concentration, still young and lively with fine tannins and a backbone of freshness that lifts it up. It will develop for a very long time in bottle. This is a great classical Rioja for the long haul. 109,000 bottles and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in October 2014. The prices are increasing but so is the quality. The following vintages will be 2010, 2011 and possibly 2012. I cannot wait to taste them..." 2/18

95 Points, James Suckling: "A special Rioja that's traditional, but not old-fashioned. Dusty, licorice and spice nose with red fruit. A cool and elegant wine, in spite of the concentration. Long, firm finish. Expands with aeration. From vines planted in 1945. Drink or hold." 12/18