Parker about Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Magnum 1er OHK 2011
The 2011 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial was produced with a blend of 84% Tempranillo and 16% Mazuelo (Cariñena) from a plot called La Plana that was planted in 1950 at 485 meters in altitude, the highest in the Ygay property. The grapes were picked between September 17 and 22, and the Mazuelo was later, on September 28. The bunches were destemmed and lightly crushed and put to ferment in stainless steel for 11 days with constant pump-overs and punch-downs. The Tempranillo matured for 28 months in American oak barrels and the Mazuelo for 28 months in French barriques. It's 14% alcohol and has a pH of 3.65 with 5.6 grams of acidity (measured in tartaric acid per liter). It's very tough to follow a vintage like 2010, and 2011 wasn't an easy year; the wine is possibly more powerful and concentrated but keeping the freshness, with a longer élevage but very young and lively, with an elegant texture and mouthfeel, great balance and elegance. The wine feels lively, and it seems impossible that it has been in bottle for over six years. It has the classical profile with the effect of the American oak barrels, cigar box, cedar wood, sweet spices—aromatic, intoxicating, complex. This should age very slowly and for a very long time. 131,668 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2016. No 2013, 2014 or 2015 will be produced. They have a 2012, and they will jump from that to 2016. The 2012 will be released in late 2023 or early 2024 and the 2016 in 2027 or 2028. Finger crossed...
Description
Land | Spain |
Region | rioja |
Rebsorten | Tempranillo 85%, Mazuelo 15% |
Alkoholgehalt | 14.00% |
Füllstand | high fill |
Verschlußart | cork stopper |
Kennzeichnung | Contains sulphites |
Farbe | Red |
Inverkehrbringer | Marqués de Murrieta SA, 26006 Logrono, La Rioja, Spain |
Charakter | Dry |
Servierempfehlung | Decant at 16-18°C |
Trinkempfehlung | 2022 - 2040 |
Parker Punkte | 97 |
Jahrgang | 2011 |
rioja, Spain 🇪🇸
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Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Magnum 1er OHK 2011

Marqués de Murrieta is a renowned winery in the Spanish wine region of Rioja. The winery is known for its traditional, high-quality wines that reflect the terroir and essence of the region.
The Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2011 is an outstanding red wine and one of Marqués de Murrieta's signature wines. It is made from a blend of Tempranillo and Mazuelo grapes, carefully selected and hand-harvested.
On the nose, the Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2011 presents a fascinating array of aromas. Notes of ripe dark fruits such as black cherries and plums dominate, accompanied by nuances of spices, tobacco, cedarwood, and a subtle mineral note. The aromas are complex and well-balanced, lending the wine impressive depth and elegance.
On the palate, the Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2011 impresses with its structure and richness. It is full-bodied yet smooth, with silky tannins that give the wine a pleasant texture. The fruity aromas continue, accompanied by notes of chocolate, coffee, spices, and a subtle oak note. The wine displays remarkable balance and a long, persistent finish.
The Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2011 is a wine of exceptional quality and elegance. It embodies the tradition and heritage of Marqués de Murrieta and demonstrates mastery in viticulture and winemaking. This vintage is a delight for wine lovers and an ideal accompaniment to refined dishes such as grilled beef, lamb, or aged cheeses.
Marqués de Murrieta wines are prized for their ageing potential, and the Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2011 is a wine that can be enjoyed both in its youth and after some aging. It is a coveted gem for collectors and wine lovers around the world.