Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2011 750ml
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Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2011 comes only from La Plana, a 40-hectare vineyard planted in 1950 at 485 metres, the highest point of the 300-hectare Ygay Estate in Rioja Alta, D.O.Ca. Rioja. The blend is 84% Tempranillo and 16% Mazuelo, hand-harvested into small crates (Tempranillo on 17 and 22 September, Mazuelo on 28 September 2011), each fermented separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel for 10 to 12 days.
Tempranillo aged 28 months in 225-litre American oak, Mazuelo 28 months in 225-litre French oak, then 13 months in concrete before bottling in February 2016. 131,668 bottles produced. 14% ABV. Ripe cherry, blueberry and cassis with garrigue, Mediterranean herbs, black pepper, clove and mocha. Lively yet enveloping, with silky tannins and a long finish.
Scores: 99 Sobremesa; 98 James Suckling, Proensa, La Vanguardia, Falstaff and Guía ABC; 97 Robert Parker, Decanter, Tim Atkin and Wine Enthusiast; 95 Vinous; 94 Wine Spectator. Decant 20 minutes, serve at 14 to 16°C with roast suckling pig, beef sirloin or poached turbot. Ralph's imports it directly.