Marques de Murrieta Castillo Gran Reserva Ygay Tinto 'Historic Vintages'

Notes - Established in 1852, Murrieta are one of the oldest and most respected bodegas of Rioja. Their wines are made in a "classic" Rioja style and receive long ageing in barrel before release. Their wines are concentrated and long-lived, both red and white, and some - like the Gran Reserva "Castillo Ygay" - have become legendary amongst Rioja-lovers. Marqués de Murrieta have not stood back and stagnated however: Their 300 hectare estate now has Cabernet Sauvignon planted for their Dalmau blend which represents Murrieta’s avante-garde expression of Riojan terroir. The 1978 Gran Reserva is a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, 12% Mazuelo and 3% Graciano. This wine is only made in the best vintages at the Ygay Estate and from the best fruit available. Bright amber red in colour, with a delicate nose of rich fruit, balsamic/minerals and a hint of “oloroso” sherry. balanced by firm, subtle oak. The palate begins with voluptuous warmth, becoming more and more complex in the glass, with hints of spice, leather and exotic fruit balanced by subtle American oak. The finish is long and lingering, with good acidity and striking youth. This wine is released mature, but will continue to develop well over the next 50 years. "The true glories of Marques de Murrieta are the red wines. Closer to full maturity than the 1985, the 1978 Castillo Ygay is a wine of exceptional sweetness, jammy, ripe, black-cherry and curranty fruit, gobs of sweet oak, a supple, gorgeously rich, opulent texture, and a chewy, long finish. 93 points." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate. An ideal 30th birthday present or thirtieth anniversary present for 2008!
 
     

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