Wine: Castillo Ygay 1989 Gran Reserva EspecialWinery: Marqués de Murrieta (Logroño, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 13% Mazuelo, 10% Garnacha Tinta, 2% Graciano.
ABV: 13% vol.
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 13% Mazuelo, 10% Garnacha Tinta, 2% Graciano.
ABV: 13% vol.
Winemaking:
Selection of grapes sourced from the La Plana plot, situated at the highest point of the Ygay Estate (485 meters elevation). Each variety was fermented separately in 30,000-liter temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Maceration lasted between 20 and 25 days to ensure maximum skin contact and varietal extraction, employing continuous pump-overs and punch-downs. The wine matured for 48 months in both new and neutral 225-liter American oak barrels. A minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars was required prior to its commercial release.
Selection of grapes sourced from the La Plana plot, situated at the highest point of the Ygay Estate (485 meters elevation). Each variety was fermented separately in 30,000-liter temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Maceration lasted between 20 and 25 days to ensure maximum skin contact and varietal extraction, employing continuous pump-overs and punch-downs. The wine matured for 48 months in both new and neutral 225-liter American oak barrels. A minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars was required prior to its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-cherry color with medium-high depth; brilliant, vital, and
clean. Featuring reddish and orange reflections. It conveys a sense of
viscosity with thick legs. Minimal brick-orange rim.
Nose: A classical Rioja profile—tertiary, mature, and expressive—though stylistically distant from the historic Castillo Ygay
vintages of old. Upon opening, it exudes fine wood, creamy nuances,
smoke, and vanilla. A growing presence of reduced red fruit, orange
zest, and dried apricots emerges, eventually acquiring a potent vegetal
character of dried mint, tea leaves, and ivy. It gains breadth with
spicy notes of cinnamon and leather, under an intense toasted layer. It
finally settles into hallmark notes of stable, damp earth, and forest
floor.
Palate:
The highlight is its nervous acidity, which fits perfectly with the
wine’s fragile and fresh character. The tannins are polished, making it
savory and very pleasant to drink, with a light toasted and creamy
touch. It features high-quality spices and refined bitters within a
rounded and well-resolved ensemble.
Commentary:
The 1989 Castillo Ygay is an approachable and well-made Gran Reserva that appears to have reached its absolute peak. While it may lack the monumental complexity of the estate's legendary mid-century titans, it offers a harmonious and "ready-to-enjoy" experience. It is a fresh, elegant red that prioritizes balance and immediate pleasure over further cellaring potential.
The 1989 Castillo Ygay is an approachable and well-made Gran Reserva that appears to have reached its absolute peak. While it may lack the monumental complexity of the estate's legendary mid-century titans, it offers a harmonious and "ready-to-enjoy" experience. It is a fresh, elegant red that prioritizes balance and immediate pleasure over further cellaring potential.
Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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