1968 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Bottled in 1983 after 13.5 years in American oak and released with a different label, the 1968 Castillo Ygay was famously taken aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano during the King of Spain’s voyage and served at official embassy banquets along the route. The blend is 70% Tempranillo, 13% Mazuelo, 12% Garnacha and 5% Graciano. Aromatically, it begins in an oxidative register, recalling tawny-like notes, then expands into muscovado sugar, dried flowers and honey, with herbs, dates, damp earth and a hint of jam. Juicy, with elegant, integrated acidity, the 1968 finishes long and composed.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The cigar box, tobacco, cedar, and red fruit aromas and flavors are so impressive on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and intensity with an energy and craziness in so many ways. It is a classic Rioja in a beautiful state that exudes the region. Drink now.
The 1968 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial was produced from the birth year of our King Felipe VI and prepared especially in celebration of his first overseas visit, in January 1987, as a head of state. 1968 was a splendid vintage, and only 4,000 bottles were produced. It was bottled in January 1983, after spending 13 years and six months in old American oak barrels. The wine was first presented aboard the royal ship, LVIII Crucero de Instrucción. Throughout 1987, the 1968 was served at royal dinners and diplomatic receptions around the world. Two of the first people to drink this wine were Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, at a reception in New York. It is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 13% Mazuelo, 12% Garnacha and 5% Graciano that achieved 12.9% alcohol and retained 7.1 grams of acidity and with 0.7 grams of volatile acidity. Unfortunately, a first bottle was slightly corked, but a second one was perfect. The 1968 is surrounded by thoroughbreds like the 1964, and the wine suffered in comparison; it's a little thinner, leaner and with a subtler personality.