Marques de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2012 750ml

This shows a very attractive nose of dried roses, subtle chocolate, dried red fruit, spices and smoke for a fleshy and inviting aromatic profile. On the palate, it is both delineated and fleshy yet remains linear, with fresh acidity bringing vibrancy and drive, supported by elegant fruit. The tannins are remarkable, soft and melting, giving a controlled structure. Vibrant and youthful, it can be enjoyed now, but it has the build to age for decades. A blend of tempranillo and 19% mazuelo, Drink or hold.

The 2012 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial was produced with a blend of 81% Tempranillo and 19% Mazuelo (Cariñena) from the plot La Plana in the Ygay estate, which was planted in 1950 at 485 meters above sea level, the highest in the Ygay property. The Tempranillo was picked between September 17th and 19th, and the Mazuelo was harvested on September 25th. The bunches were destemmed and lightly crushed and put to ferment in stainless steel for 10 days with constant pump-overs and délestages. The Tempranillo matured for 34 months in American oak barrels, and the Mazuelo also matured for 34 months but in French barriques. It was then blended and put in concrete for a further 20 months. It has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 5.8 grams of acidity (measured in tartaric acid per liter). It seems to follow the style of the 2011, perhaps somewhere between the 2010 and 2011—very classical, with notes of earth, cedar, spice and meat. The palate is polished, sleek and elegant with a touch of earthy rusticity. 103,216 bottles, 3,121 magnums and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in May 2019. No 2013, 2014 or 2015 will be produced, so from here, they will jump to 2016 to be released in 2026 or 2027. I look forward to it, and I'm intrigued about what I'm going to find when I taste it.

Currently in a shutting-down phase, the 2012 Castillo Ygay (81% Tempranillo, 19% Mazuelo, Rioja Alta) feels as if it is pulling its shoulders in before a long sleep. A touch of reduction is present. The fruit is moving toward tertiary territory, with menthol hints and dried plum nuance over a background of oak and subtle herbal tones. There is complexity in motion, including a beeswax note. Dry and gently enveloping, it carries lively grip and palpable energy, projecting a long life ahead. Ideally, it should be revisited no sooner than four years from now.

This sophisticated red offers rich flavors of plum compote and dried cherry and raspberry fruit, with detailed notes of espresso, anise, mountain herbs and fresh earth. Shows lovely interplay between generosity and a sense of finesse, integrating fine, chalky tannins and orange peel acidity. Long and fragrant on the finish. Tempranillo and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2037. (Collectible)