Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva 2012

The wine in this vintage

2012 in Rioja was marked by severe drought and very low yields, producing small, concentrated grapes; a favourable September allowed ripening to finish while preserving balance. Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2012 received a perfect 100 points from James Suckling, confirming an exceptional achievement. The nose is complex and layered, with black cherry, blackcurrant, plum, violet, tobacco, leather, cedar, vanilla and spice; the palate is deep and velvety, with a very fine tannic frame, lively freshness and endless persistence. Wine Spectator rated it 95 points. Already splendid today, the 2012 still has many years of evolution ahead.

The producer · Marques de Murrieta

Founded in 1852 by Luciano de Murrieta, a pioneer who studied Bordeaux techniques and was among the first in Rioja to make wines for ageing and export, Marqués de Murrieta is one of Spain's historic wineries. Its heart is Finca Ygay, an estate on the outskirts of Logroño, in Rioja Alta, whose own vineyards surround the castle that gives its name to the house's most famous wine. Since the 1980s the estate has belonged to the Cebrián-Sagarriga family, now led by Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga, who renewed vineyards and winery while keeping strong ties with tradition. The range includes the Reserva, the white Capellanía, Dalmau and above all Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, made only in exceptional years from Tempranillo and Mazuelo grown on the estate's highest plots and given long ageing in barrel and bottle. Wines of great elegance and longevity that embody the classic face of Rioja.

Critics' scores

• 100 James Suckling
• 97 Robert Parker
• 95 Wine Spectator

Technical details

Producer

Marques de Murrieta

Region

Rioja

Country

Spagna

Type

Rosso

Vintage

2012

When to drink

Hold, still evolving

Critics' average

97.3/100

Sizes

75 cl, Magnum 150 cl, Case of 6 × 75 cl

eWibe code

0900112