1964 Castillo Ygay Reserva
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This lives up to the legend of 1964 in Rioja. It\'s always been ageless. I have drank many in my lifetime and this is a superb example. Tight and medium-bodied with very fine and linear tannins that extend through the mouth. Energetic with black berries, cedar, tobacco, and salted caramel, but refined and bright. 270 months in oak. Bottled 1987.
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James Suckling
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
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1964 was for many the vintage of the 20th century, and the 1964 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, produced with 74% Tempranillo, 14% Garnacha Tinta, 10% Mazuelo and 2% Graciano, has a blend like the wines from the early vintages of the century, higher in Garnacha. This matured in tank for six months followed by 266 months in American oak barrels (over 22 years!) and was bottled in July 1987 with 13% alcohol, 7.3 grams of acidity and 0.84 grams of volatile acidity. It was released in 1994. It feels a lot younger, with fresh fruit and a touch of beeswax and pollen intermixed with more traditional notes of tobacco and cigar box, smoke and forest floor. The wine is powerful and youthful, still young at age 58. It has a lively palate with great freshness and acidity, a silky texture and a long, tasty and almost salty finish. It's more powerful than the 1959.