Marques de Murrieta, Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2012

100 Points Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2012
Awarded 100 Points and Spanish Wine of the Year by James Suckling

The iconic wine from Rioja, Castillo Ygay is only released in outstanding vintages and 2012 proved to be just that. With super concentration, texture and an incredible line of freshness, the 2012 vintage is already drawing comparisons with the legendary 1964.

The 2012 is a blend of 81% Tempranillo and 19% Mazuelo, with 34 months in 225l American oak barrels for Tempranillo and 34 months in 225l French oak barrels for the Mazuelo. 

Hailing from the famed La Plana vineyard on the Ygay Estate, the vineyard sits at 485m above sea level and comprises 40ha.

2012 was an excellent vintage in Rioja, but one of very low yields owing to the lack of water through the season. A hot summer was refreshed by late rains which led to small, concentrated berries, but crucially for Castillo Ygay with excellent freshness, thanks to the altitude of La Plana. Overall yields were reduced by 1/3 in 2012.

"With its complexity, finesse and restrained power coalescing to make it a potentially legendary offering. So 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." 100 Points - James Suckling

"This vintage stands out for its exceptional ripeness and impeccable texture. In my 30 years at Marqués de Murrieta, I have never seen such complexity when tasting from barrel to make the selection. A full and complex nose with black cherry and ripe plum aromas, cloaking hints of tea leaves, cedar wood and Mediterranean herbs on a background of dried flowers. Well framed and deep in the mouth, with polished tannins and full of nuances; harmonious and long-lived. Another legendary Castillo Ygay vintage that brazenly challenges the passage of time." Maria Vargas, Winemaker