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2009 Marques De Murrieta Castillo Ygay Grand Reserva Especial Cosecha

Marqués de Murrieta´s foundation is linked to the origins of the Rioja wines. Luciano Murrieta produced the first Rioja wine in 1852, and was also the first one to export his wines. Luciano, appointed Marquis by the King Amadeo of Savoy thanks to his work in Rioja, travelled to Bordeaux to learn the winemaking techniques that he introduced later in Spain. He established the concept of “château” in the Ygay Estate where he built the emblematic Ygay Castle.

In 1983 Vicente Cebrián Sagarriga, tenth Count of Creixell, took over the project. He modernized the winery and with his entrepreneurial vocation he continued the legacy of Marqués de Murrieta. After his death his eldest son, Vicente D. Cebrián-Sagarriga, current Count of Creixell, assumed together with his sister Cristina the management of the winery, accompanied by a young and qualified team. Over the years, the Count of Creixell´s family has become the perfect continuity to maintain the balance between tradition and modernity positioning Marqués de Murrieta in the 21st century to a privileged position in the world.

Only the finest vintages from the 741-acre Ygay Estate are used to make Castillo Ygay. The Grand Reserva Especial is made from a blend of Tempranillo and Mazuelo grapes from the La Plana vineyard within the Ygay estate, located 500 meters above sea level. What contributes to the wines amazing power is the Tempranillo and Mazuelo. The grapes are fermented and aged separately in American and French oak respectively for 26 months. This wine shows depth and richness immediately from the glass with intense dark cherry in color. Leaning more toward old world and rustic in style, the nose exhibits aromas of ripe red fruit, cassis, floral with notes of truffle and savory spices. The tannins are well- integrated and the palate has a silky texture. The fresh acidity in this beautifully crafted wine helps keep it well balanced through to a long, elegant finish that lasts for minutes. This wine rocked my Rioja world! After tasting it the next day. the wine revealed more expansion of flavor, complexity, and creaminess. It is so delicious in its youth, but is built to age gracefully for years to come. By Perry Miroballi

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