Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 1998

93 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "In 1998, they used less Garnacha and no Graciano for the 1998 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, which was composed of 85% Tempranillo, 13% Mazuelo and 2% Garnacha that matured in American oak barrels for 41 months. It has 13% alcohol, with 5.97 grams of acidity and 0.9 grams of volatile acidity, which contrasts with the idea that it was a cooler year with well-defined acidity. It has a pH of 3.42. This is soft and pretty, evolved, with notes of Asian spices, cedar wood and a medium-bodied palate with some austerity. It was bottled in November 2002. Drink: 2022-2028. (7/7/22)"

92 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "(85% tempranillo, 13% mazuelo, 2% garnacha). Fairly dark cherry with a brick red rim. Spicy nose, background of reduction (leather, tobacco, cedar), balsamic background and incense. Rounded palate, powerful, rich in expression of oxidised/reduced ageing, flavoursome, touches of wax, lengthy. (2007)"

18+/20 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "Tempranillo 85%, Garnacha 2%, Mazuelo 13%, no Graciano in this vintage. American oak for 41 months. Showing some early fading of the primary colours at the rim. It has an enticing nose, although is still clearly quite primary, with some broad, furry fruit and there is still a little toffee apparent, from the oak treatment. It has a nice feral character and is clearly developing nicely. A fine palate, still with a little textural plumpness from the fruit, but with emerging complexity. There is depth and creaminess over the structure. Lots of potential here. Overall, quite fine. (Jun 2007)"