Marques de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva, Rioja Alta, 2012, 75cL Red WineBy Winebuyers

The Marques de Murrieta, now owned by the Conde de Creixell, is a true estate winery – it only draws grapes from their own 300ha of vineyards that surround the original bodega and the new winery. The Finca Ygay being the name of the original property purchased in the 1870s and still the core of the estate. Murrieta is an estate that is in no hurry, an estate that is happy for the wines to age before release. The Rioja blanca Capelania is released with several years age while the Castello Ygay Blanco Gran Reserva Especial lives up to its special tag. Aged for 20 years in oak and five in tank before release, it is a Rioja icon. The reds start at Reserva level with increasing release age moving up the scale, although nothing like the white. The Castillo Ygay Grand Reserva Especial includes over 10% Mazuelo and is released at approximately ten years old. The Dalmau is a single vineyard blend of Tempranillo with 15% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Gracia. This wine is suitable for both men and women.