Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, Rioja 2012 Douro Region warm and dry wine

warm and dry wine

This is a fascinating Champagne whose dusty/mineral purity reminds me of steely lean Chablis

Made entirely with Frappato a grape that's becoming increasingly popular in its native Sicily

As the wine warms up the Grenache-driven strawberry character becomes more prominent and is complemented by a wonderful texture that balances mid-palate richness with zippy

this wine harks back to simpler times in its total display of elegance and restraint

Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, Rioja 2012 Douro Region warm and dry wineSo much dried flower, mushroom, iron, rust, sweet berry, and grilled orange. Full bodied with very elegant and refined tannins that melt in the mouth and give a real sense of place and integrity. Balanced and harmonious. The finesse and finish is endless. Production was 30% less than in 2011. Already so drinkable. A wonderful future. This is the new 1934 or 1964, two legends. 100 pts James Suckling