1986 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial
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Tasting notes
The 1986 Castillo Ygay Blanco is a white of another breed. Aromas of caramel and vanilla open, followed by hay, dried herbs and saffron, with hints of waffle and pastry. The palate is utterly remarkable—broad, enveloping and structured by a subtle chalky texture that stretches the finish endlessly. Extraordinary. The magic of this wine lies in the élevage: so dominant, so precise and so accomplished that it establishes a benchmark for the style. Achieving such authority without sacrificing elegance is exceedingly rare.
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Average Score
James Suckling
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
More reviews and scores
97% Viura, 3% Malvasía. After the pioneers came the inventors, such as Murietta, said Pedro Ballesteros MW, presenting the wines. Sourced from the Capellanía vineyard, planted in 1945 and located on a plateau at an elevation of 485 m, in the highest area of their 300-ha Ygay estate in Rioja Alta. Whole-bunch pressed, fermented in an American oak vat and aged 25 months in 225-litre American oak barrels and then for 67 months in concrete tanks. Deep, bright gold. Gorgeous golden aroma of honey and cedar, sour apricot, dried grasses – marked by the oxidative winemaking and ageing. Deeply fresh/sour (in a good way) and still so much fruit, expressed in apricot and bitter orange. Both rounded and deep in texture. A touch smoky as it opens, but mostly it is the baked apple and baked quince – ie with a hint of something sour – of long ageing. Incredible freshness balances the depth and breadth of flavours. (JH)
This is a triumph. An amazing white showing roasted pineapple, dried apple, flowers and hints of lemon curd on the nose. Hints of almonds, too. Full-body, closed and tight with amazing depth and beauty. Waxy, salty, and creamy. Goes on for minutes. 21 years in wood, seven in concrete and then about three years in bottle. First year since 1978. Viura with a hint of malvasia. I have the same mind-tingling sensation tasting this as tasting the 1963 Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Blanco. Another perfect wine. 8,000 bottles made. Oct 2016, www.jamessuckling.com