Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Rioja Gran Reserva Especial Cosecha 2004

Date of Tasting: 19 October 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 93% Tempranillo, 7% Mazuelo

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: Rioja, Spain

Appellation: Rioja DOCa

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR80

Web: http://www.marquesdemurrieta.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 95/100, WS - 90/100, WE - 91/100, FS - 95/100, ST - 92/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: Dark ruby.

Aroma: Ripe wild berries, plum, raisin, chocolate, mocha.

Palate: Juicy and velvety with soft tannins. Full bodied and a bit dense on the palate but somewhat fresh. Exotic dried fruits. Quite long on the finish.

Delicious Rioja. It is a powerful one but not broodingly masculine. Rather elegant in fact. I like the way ripe fruits character showed up smoothly and brightly. Ones would definitely enjoy this Gran Reserva with food more than on its own. Grilled or rich dishes will be excellent companion. Pretty lovely now.

Torres Mas La Plana Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Date of Tasting: 22 January 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Penedes, Spain

Appellation: Denominacio d'Origen

Expect to Pay: ~ THB2,000 - THB2,500

Web: http://www.torres.es/
Chubby Score: 90/100
Value for money: 5/10
Professional Rating: WS - 90/100, WE - 93/100, ST - 90/100, JR - 17/20, CT - 89/100

Appearance: deep and dark red

Aroma: tobacco, mocha, cigar, and smoke

Palate: really big body, firm and masculine tannins, rich and dark, notes of blackcurrant and cassis as well as mild vanilla floor, medium on the finish

This is a big and bold guy: really dry and firm. Tannins start to refine but a few more years of cell ageing would perhaps soften it down. It is enjoyable to drink with red meat with strong flavour like roasted lamb or game dishes. Good wine, it is, but not great and probably still lack the dimension of complexity.