Marques de Murrieta - Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Rioja 1952

Tasting note: Marqués de Murrieta - Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Rioja 1952

Appearance:
A deep, almost mystical mahogany colour with amber shades on the rim - a visual testimony to over seven decades of slow ageing. The colour appears cloudy but noble, with slight traces of sediment that indicate an unfiltered tradition.

Nose:
A bouquet of archetypal complexity that can only be created through extreme patience. Tertiary flavours are dominant: old leather, dried figs, tobacco leaf and an intense spiciness of cedar and saffron. Notes of rancid walnut oil, dried mushrooms and an earthy depth reminiscent of damp forest soil after rain resonate underneath. Slight hints of overripe cherries, liquorice and a hint of vanilla (from the long maturation in American oak) complete the picture. A hint of oxidative elegance, almost sherry-like, lends mysterious charm.

Palate:
The texture is silky and velvety, almost without noticeable tannins, which have long since become part of the structure. Flavour relics of the past dominate the palate: preserved plums, marzipan, bitter orange peel and a distinctive spiciness of black pepper and clove. The acidity is surprisingly lively, a backbone that carries the wine despite its age. Notes of old port wine, dark chocolate and a salty, mineral character reminiscent of the chalky soils of Rioja Alta shimmer beneath the surface.

Finish:
Eternally long and melancholic, with an echo of roasted coffee beans, dried herbs (thyme, laurel) and a subtle bitterness reminiscent of dark cocoa or old apothecary flavours. The final mineral note - almost fossil - emphasises the timeless elegance.

Overall impression:
Castillo Ygay 1952 is a living museum piece, a wine that tells the story of Rioja in every nuance. It embodies the traditional style of the region: long ageing in oak, oxidative influences and an almost meditative maturity. The fruit has long since faded into the background, but the structural integrity (thanks to the vital acidity) keeps the wine amazingly alive. A wine for historians and romantics - not fireworks, but a whisper from past decades.

Drinkability:
At the peak of its development, but with astonishing freshness for its age. Do not store - the remaining energy should now be celebrated. Decant only carefully to separate sediment (max. 30 minutes).

Accompaniment:
Perfect with classic dishes such as lamb with rosemary, truffle risotto or mature Manchego cheese. A wine that deserves respect and time - ideal as a philosophical companion for special occasions or as a tribute to the golden years of the Rioja tradition.

Comment:
A wine like this is a rarity. Before opening, check the condition of the cork and store the bottle upright for at least 48 hours to allow sediment to settle.