Archive for May, 2008
Wednesday, May 14th, 2008
Gabriella
2000 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (5/13/2008)
87% Tempranillo and 13% Mazuelo, aged for 34 months in American oak and 13 in bottle before release. Dark inky red in color with slight bricking on the rim. Gorgeous black cherry nose, yet hinting at spicier aromas of black pepper, leather and oddly enough, ripe banana. Silky fine tannins pour over my tongue, leaving a trace of their existence only on my teeth and roof of my mouth, as the acidity flushes my palate clean. Reserved flavors of cherry, raspberry and citrus notes on the finish. Well integrated and delicious. Great wine. 4.5/5Ryan
2000 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (5/13/2008)
Light reddish color to this wine with an old school nose to match the faint bricking at the rim. Nose is classic Rioja, with a cinnamon and sour cherry quality. Light caramel, nuts, and vanilla touches mingle over a cherry tapestry. Light and not in your face, and a pleasure to keep my nose in. In the mouth this has a surprisingly strong tannin component and a high acidity to balance it. Really a nice elegant wine that demands reflection. Finish is medium long and acts as a breeze blowing in touches of this or that as you finish. Soft, light and with enough mystery to keep me hooked. 4.5/5
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Wednesday, May 14th, 2008
Gabriella
2004 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Capellanía Reserva - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (5/13/2008)
100% Viura, aged for 18 months in 225L French and American Oak. Medium honey in color with a brilliant, golden sheen. Bright creamy custard, lemon meringue and pineapple notes on the nose, and accented with just a touch of banana and raw almond. In the mouth, the wine shows medium acidity, a lush, creamy mouthfeel and a long lingering finish of lemon zest and vanilla custard. Dense yet vibrant with great balance, and overall great structure, I’m impressed. This is a powerhouse of a little wine that can stand easily pair well with stronger cheeses and meats! 4/5
Ryan
2004 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Capellanía Reserva - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (5/13/2008)
Nice golden color to this wine with a nose that is marked by strong lemon notes, and a fullness that draws me back in. Lemon grass, minerals, lactic notes, and a light dusting of caramel all come to mind, really intriguing and fresh. In the mouth this wine has a rich acidity and a full body, that fills the mouth. Lactic notes, combine with nectarines, lemon meringue and minerals. Really a complex and fun wine to taste. Full of spritz and youth, while at the same time big enough to pair with serious foods. 4.5/5
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Wednesday, May 14th, 2008
Gabriella
2004 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Reserva Ygay Dalmau - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (5/13/2008)
86% Tempranillo 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Graciano aged in 225L French oak barrels for 21 months. Dark burgundy red in color with a blood red core. On the nose, gooseberries, black cherry, leather, a touch of charred wood and vanilla come to the surface, surrounded in a cloud of red floral notes. In the mouth, the wine gripes at my palate, showing chalky fine tannins and medium acidity that ends in a long dark cherry finish. Spattered with a touch of anise and black pepper, the wine is intense, needing a big slab of grilled steak to hold up to its girth. 4/5
Ryan
2004 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Reserva Ygay Dalmau - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (5/13/2008)
Dark red color with a black edge to it, not very intense but pure in color. Dark chocolate and earth on this nose that is tight right out of the bottle, with an intensity that needs to develop. In the mouth this immediately strikes me as a modern wine with rich chocolate and dark berry flavors. Strong black pepper, minerals, clove, anise, and charcoal. All dark flavors that hide what appears to be a nice black cherry core, though it does seem a bit obscured by a rustic oakiness. Really a bold wine with a high acidity, and strong firm tannins that will take time to develop. I really would like to see this wine in about 5-10yrs. 4/5
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Wednesday, May 14th, 2008
Gabriella
2004 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Ygay Reserva Finca Ygay - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (5/13/2008)
88% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha, 4% Mazuelo, 25 months in semi-new American oak barrels. Dark concentrated red rose in color with a dense, opaque dark cranberry core. On the nose, the wine shows expressive notes of candy cherry, vanilla and a touch of charred oak. Firm with fine, chalky tannins and a vibrant acidity that hits dead center on the palate, and then quickly disappears leaving a dead space where it once stood. The palate differs than the nose in that it is less candy like, showing richer cherry flavors, accompanied by whispers of vanilla bean and cranberry essence. 3.5/5
Ryan
2004 Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Ygay Reserva Finca Ygay - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (5/13/2008)
Great rich cherry color to this wine with a nose that is clean. Fresh cherries mingle with anise, raw oak, light cinnamon spices and some stewed fruit. In the mouth a very fresh wine with high acidity and fine tannins, that are strong, but not distracting. Ready to drink this wine has a medium finish with lots of fresh cherry flavors. Take those cherries, stir in some cinnamon, a bit of loamy earth and touch of mint and your getting close to this wine. I love the approachability of the wine and a soft nature. 3.5/5
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