"Marqués de Murrieta is one of the most classical names in Rioja, and they have managed to keep the classical style of the wines but are also completely relevant and up to date with what is happening in the world today. "
- Luis Gutiérrez,Wine Advocate
Declared "one of Rioja's most iconic labels" by Decanter's Clive Pursehouse, Marques de Murrieta is a bastion of classically styled Rioja. These top-scoring flagship Reserva, the signature Gran Reserva, and the highly coveted Castillo Ygay are all emblematic of the estate's reputation for benchmark Rioja expressions with top-tier cellar potential.
A standard bearer for value every vintage, the 96-point 2019 Rioja Reserva was aged for 24 months in American oak and spent an additional 14 months in bottle before release, yielding "a harmonious blend" according to Vinous, revealing fresh spiced fruit and balsamic with refined, integrated tannins that allow it to be enjoyed tonight or cellared for several years. Ranked #10 on James Suckling's 2021 Top 100 Wines of Spain, the 98-point 2015 Marques de Murrieta Finca Ygay Gran Reserva is a limited edition sourced from select barrels and only produced in exceptional vintages. A bright and layered Rioja that's "spicy, tasty, chalky and still young with potential to age" according to Wine Advocate's Luis Gutiérrez, the 2015 is already drinking beautifully and will continue to evolve over the next decade-plus.
Finally, two vintages of the otherworldly Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial offer collectors an unparalleled opportunity to get their hands on one of the most iconic wines in Spain. Produced in only the most exceptional vintages, these latest releases of Castillo Ygay come from the La Plana parcel planted in 1950 at the estate's highest altitude.
"Fantastic structure ... with a mouthfeel of compacted velvet" defines the 98-point 2011 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, landing it on multiple top-of-vintage lists including #3 on Decanter's "Top 20 Rioja Gran Reserva Wines" and #11 on the Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2022.
The coup de grace, however, is the always elusive 2012 Castillo Ygay. James Suckling's 100-point review commends the 2012 as "full-bodied with very elegant and refined tannins that melt in the mouth," earning it the #1 spot on his 2021 Top 100 Wines of Spain in 2023, as well as the #10 slot on his Top Wines of 2023. No matter whether you're looking for classic Rioja brilliance for tonight's table or for world-class trophies that will take your collection to new heights, these stalwart releases from Marques de Murrieta will check all the boxes.
This is historical Rioja in the glass with dark-berry, Spanish-cedar, bark, mahogany and light earth aromas that follow through to a full body with firm, fine tannins that are layered and intense. It really is multilayered, with a citrus and cedar aftertaste. Wonderful length and composure. Try after 2023, but already fantastic.
98 points, James Suckling (Feb 2022)
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