Castillo Ygay Rioja Gran Reserva Especial 2012
Castillo Ygay Rioja Gran Reserva Especial 2012
The 2012 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial is an exceptional wine from Marqués de Murrieta, a winery with a rich history dating back to 1852. This wine, produced only in selected vintages, represents the pinnacle of Rioja winemaking and has earned worldwide acclaim. Sourced from the renowned La Plana vineyard on the Ygay Estate, which sits at 485 meters above sea level, this blend of 81% Tempranillo and 19% Mazuelo is aged for 34 months in oak barrels, with the Tempranillo aged in American oak and the Mazuelo in French oak. The result is a wine of extraordinary complexity, freshness, and elegance, reflecting the unique terroir of Rioja and the expertise of the winemaking team.
Tasting Notes
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Why Gifted Pour recommends it
For the wine lover who cares about provenance, this Rioja Gran Reserva Especial from Marqués de Murrieta, a winery whose history reaches back to 1852, is made only in selected vintages. The 2012 comes from the La Plana vineyard on the Ygay Estate, 485 meters above sea level. It blends 81% Tempranillo with 19% Mazuelo and is aged 34 months in oak, the Tempranillo in American barrels and the Mazuelo in French. In the glass it opens with ripe cherry, plum and blackberry, then leather, tobacco, cedar and a touch of cocoa, held together by bright acidity and firm tannins. It comes in an elegant wooden box, so it feels like an occasion before it is even opened. Give it for a milestone birthday, a promotion, a retirement, or to a holiday host who loves a long dinner. They can decant it for an evening with roast lamb or aged Manchego, or lay it down in the cellar, since it is built to age gracefully.
Pairs well with
- Grilled lamb chops with rosemary — The wine's dark cherry fruit and savory cedar and tobacco notes stand up to charred, herb-crusted lamb.
- Aged Manchego or Idiazabal — Firm tannins and bright acidity cut through rich, nutty Spanish cheeses while the plum and spice notes add depth.
- Promotion or retirement dinner — Presented in its wooden box and layered with leather, cocoa and baking spice, it suits a formal celebratory meal marking a personal achievement.
Questions about this bottle
What grapes are in Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2012?
It is a blend of 81% Tempranillo and 19% Mazuelo, sourced from the La Plana vineyard on the Ygay Estate in Rioja, which sits at 485 meters above sea level.
How is this wine aged?
The wine spends 34 months in oak barrels. The Tempranillo is aged in American oak and the Mazuelo in French oak, which contributes the vanilla, chocolate and subtle smoky layers on the palate.
What does it taste like?
Expect a full-bodied, structured red with black cherry and plum, savory cedar, tobacco and spice, plus vanilla and chocolate from the oak. Bright acidity and firm tannins keep it fresh, and the finish is long, with dark fruit, spice and oak.
Does it need to be decanted?
Yes. Decant for at least one to two hours so the wine can open up, then serve at 60-65°F (16-18°C) in a large Bordeaux-style glass to let the bouquet show fully.
