1994 was the beginning of modern Rioja, and Marqués de Murrieta considered it to be a very high quality vintage, with 20% lower yields than usual, giving wines great tannic structure and the ability to age well. The 1994 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, produced with a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 13% Mazuelo, 10% Garnacha and 2% Graciano, matured in oak barrels for 50 months. It has 13.4% alcohol with 7.4 grams of acidity and 0.7 grams of volatile acidity, and it has tannic structure. In this decade, the winery had a big influence on the wines; there's more noticeable oak here despite a shorter élevage. The oak was still 100% American. The wine was bottled in May 1999.

Maturing now, this harmonious red offers flavors of dried cherries, wild herbs and exotic spices; it's firm yet supple, soft yet lively on the palate. A lovely example of the traditional style. Drink now through 2008. 8,000 cases made, 1,250 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Traditional tangy, woody Rioja. Not that expressive. Still flavorful and spicy. Looking for more mouthfeel. Quite closed now, it needs 3 years.——W.E.(2/1/2000)—— 87