The 2011 Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial is a proprietary blend of 84% Tempranillo and 16% Mazuelo, sourced from the La Plana plot in Rioja, Spain. The vineyard, planted in 1950, is situated at an altitude of 485 meters, contributing to the wine's unique profile. This red wine, with an alcohol content of 14%, is sealed with a cork closure.
The wine has garnered high praise from multiple professional reviewers. James Suckling awarded it an impressive 98 points, noting its "layer upon layer of savory complexity" and describing it as a “medium-to full-bodied, linear and zesty Rioja that’s full of nuanced flavors that linger through the very long, savory finish." Suckling also highlighted its "bright and precise" character, suggesting it can be enjoyed upon release or held for further aging.
Wine Enthusiast's Mike Desimone rated it 97 points, emphasizing its visual appeal with a "deep violet-red" color. He mentioned its "nose of raspberry, white chocolate and juniper berry," and praised its "ever-present tannins supporting flavors of dark plum, black cherry, caramel and violet." Desimone predicts it will drink well through 2042.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated it 97 points, describing it as a wine with "great balance and elegance" despite the challenging 2011 vintage. The review highlights the wine's production process, including fermentation in stainless steel and aging in American and French oak barrels for 28 months. The wine is characterized by its "classical profile" and "aromatic, intoxicating, complex" nature.
Vinous reviewer Josh Raynolds gave it a score of 95, appreciating its "highly perfumed, complex bouquet" with notes of "red and blue fruits, incense, pipe tobacco, vanilla, and mocha." He praised its "excellent depth and clarity" and noted the wine's "strong persistence" and "velvety tannins."
Wine Spectator awarded it 94 points, describing it as "polished" and "refined," with notes of "glossy dark cherry, black olive, wild herb, anise, loamy earth, mocha and clove." The publication recommended drinking it between now and 2031, noting that it was released in Spring 2022 with only 1,000 cases imported.
Overall, the 2011 Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial is a highly acclaimed wine with a rich, complex profile and excellent aging potential.
