This is a presell offer.  The 2012 vintage is expected to arrive in April 2024.

"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. This is the new 1934 or 1964 two legends. Drink or hold." James Suckling 100 Points 

Blend:
81% Tempranillo
19% Mazuelo

Aging:
Tempranillo is aged 34 months in 225-liter American barrels, while the Mazuelo is aged in French barriques. After blending, the wine is aged another year in concreteand then layed down 2+ years in bottle.

The Cebrián-Sagarriga family, who in 1983 acquired the Marqués de Murrieta winery, established in 1852, has a distinct winemaking philosophy that is founded in the pursuit of quality and excellence through tradition and innovation.

Only the finest vintages from the 741-acre Ygay Estate are used to make Castillo Ygay. This Gran Reserva Especial is made from tempranillo and mazuelo from vineyards located at 485 meters above sea level. Limited in production and sought after all over the world, it is the worthy choice for the winery's emblematic Castillo Ygay label.

The grapes are manually harvested from an 80-year-old single-vineyard called La Plana, located at the highest peak within the Ygay Estate which surrounds the winery in the southern point of the Rioja Alta wine subzone. Fermentation takes around two weeks, during which we pump over and punch down the cap in order to extract aromas and poliphenols slowly and naturally.

Pairs beautifully with wood pigeon braised in red wine, cocoa, black pepper and Iberian ham fat; wagyu sirloin tartare, capers jam and soufflé potatoes; pil pil hake cheeks, codfi sh crispy skin and candied crystal pepper; Moliterno cheese with black truffles, sour cherry jam and Castillo Ygay red wine. Decanting the wine for 20 minutes is recommended. Best enjoyed between 64º- 66ºF.