Wine: Castillo Ygay 2000 Gran Reserva Especial
Winery: Marqués de Murrieta (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 93% Tempranillo, 7% Mazuelo
ABV: 13% vol.
Winery: Marqués de Murrieta (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 93% Tempranillo, 7% Mazuelo
ABV: 13% vol.
Winemaking:
Grapes sourced exclusively from the "La Plana" plot, located at the highest elevation of the Ygay Estate (485 meters). Manual harvest conducted between October 10th and 12th. Initial selection in the vineyard and transport in small crates. The clusters are destemmed and gently crushed. Fermented separately in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. Maceration lasted 12 days with daily pump-overs and punch-downs to ensure optimal extraction. The wine matured for 34 months in 225-liter American oak barrels, subjected to several annual rackings. Minimum of 36 months of bottle aging before commercial release.
Grapes sourced exclusively from the "La Plana" plot, located at the highest elevation of the Ygay Estate (485 meters). Manual harvest conducted between October 10th and 12th. Initial selection in the vineyard and transport in small crates. The clusters are destemmed and gently crushed. Fermented separately in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. Maceration lasted 12 days with daily pump-overs and punch-downs to ensure optimal extraction. The wine matured for 34 months in 225-liter American oak barrels, subjected to several annual rackings. Minimum of 36 months of bottle aging before commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-cherry color with medium-high depth; dark and opaque. Brilliant
and clean with reddish and orange reflections. Minimal coppery rim;
viscous, showing abundant, thick, and persistent tears.
Nose:
Medium intensity with a reticent initial delivery. It is dominated by a
broad, sweet note of overripe fruit—dried figs, Damson plums, and
blueberry jam—which melds into vanilla and creamy oak nuances. The
aromatic profile remains static and uncommunicative, as if constrained.
Despite aeration, it fails to reveal greater complexity; fluctuating
temperatures only highlight liqueur-like notes and a subtle background
spice. It presents a warmer character than preceding vintages.
Palate:
The palate is lean and tart, characterized by a lively but thin flow
that lacks substance. While it possesses sufficient fruit and acidity to
maintain its structure, the ensemble feels overly ripe and polished,
offering more correctness than virtue. It is approachable but ultimately
insubstantial, leaning toward a monotonous profile. It sits in a
stylistic limbo—neither truly traditional nor modern.
Commentary:
A disappointing showing for such a legendary label, especially when compared to the magnificent 2001 vintage. This 2000 appears uninspired and lacks the profound depth expected of a Gran Reserva Especial. Based on two consistent bottles, it seems a vintage to overlook.
A disappointing showing for such a legendary label, especially when compared to the magnificent 2001 vintage. This 2000 appears uninspired and lacks the profound depth expected of a Gran Reserva Especial. Based on two consistent bottles, it seems a vintage to overlook.
Personal Score: 84
Tasting Group Average: 86
Tasting Group Average: 86
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