Wine: Castillo Ygay 1991 Gran Reserva Especial
Winery: Marqués de Murrieta (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 13% Mazuelo, 4% Garnacha Tinta, 3% Graciano.
ABV: 13% vol.
Winery: Marqués de Murrieta (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 13% Mazuelo, 4% Garnacha Tinta, 3% Graciano.
ABV: 13% vol.
Winemaking:
Selection of grapes from the La Plana plot, the highest area of the Ygay Estate at 485 meters elevation. Each variety was fermented separately in 30,000-liter temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Maceration lasted between 20 and 25 days to ensure maximum contact between skins and must, employing continuous pump-overs and punch-downs. The wine matured for 50 months in both new and neutral 225-liter American oak barrels. A minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars was required prior to its commercial release.
Selection of grapes from the La Plana plot, the highest area of the Ygay Estate at 485 meters elevation. Each variety was fermented separately in 30,000-liter temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Maceration lasted between 20 and 25 days to ensure maximum contact between skins and must, employing continuous pump-overs and punch-downs. The wine matured for 50 months in both new and neutral 225-liter American oak barrels. A minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars was required prior to its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Reddish-cherry color with medium-high depth; opaque, dark, and more
extracted than other contemporary vintages. Clean and brilliant,
featuring amber and coppery reflections.
Nose:
Virtually identical to the 1989 vintage. It shows good initial
intensity—open and extroverted—with an abundance of refined reduction:
smoke, old leather, and stable notes, alongside an elegant, vanillic
oak. It is an impressive and bold nose, though perhaps lacking the
profound depth of the estate's legendary vintages. Over time, hints of
candied red fruit and orange zest emerge with a spirituous touch,
gradually shifting toward vegetal nuances of black tea, cloves, and
licorice. After an hour, earthy and fungal notes dominate the bouquet.
Palate:
Effortless and very pleasant to drink; integrated, savory, and
composed. It is creamy on the palate but lacks significant body. Its
best attributes are a solid acidity and a well-ordered structure that
avoids being linear or predictable. High-quality spices, toasted notes,
and refined bitters lead into a notable, long finish.
Commentary:
The 1991 Castillo Ygay represents the "new era" of Murrieta: approachable, well-crafted, and rewarding, though a step below the monumental concentration of historical vintages. It has reached an interesting window of maturity, offering a balanced and expressive experience that prioritizes elegance and immediate enjoyment over raw power.
The 1991 Castillo Ygay represents the "new era" of Murrieta: approachable, well-crafted, and rewarding, though a step below the monumental concentration of historical vintages. It has reached an interesting window of maturity, offering a balanced and expressive experience that prioritizes elegance and immediate enjoyment over raw power.
Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
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