“Look at an early bottle of this wine and you will see that it was labelled Château Ygay. However, eventually France complained – hence the Castillo Ygay we have now. The Castle is a worthy name for one of Rioja's most famed wines from one of Rioja's founding wineries. It carries lightly its two years in American oak and its following years in bottle, revealing elegant spicing, red fruits and bright acidity. The 16% Mazuelo is important here for freshness: a distinguishing feature of Murrieta vineyard resources.”

“Marqués de Murrieta spoils the Rioja lover for choice, with Gran Reserva Especial as well as this fine Gran Reserva, and a very delicious reserva. Why select a Gran Reserva when the Reserva is so good? Because this is a wine made with great precision by winemaker María Vargas, who is also a master blender. Her attention to detail brings out a wonderfully complex expression of the succulent dark fruit, layered with very fine American oak.”

“Delivers a generous range of black plum reduction, floral, dried fig, mocha and eucalyptus aromas and flavors set in a sleek, well-defined frame that integrates sculpted tannins and orange peel acidity. Maintains a deft balance between richness and restraint. Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Graciano. Drink now through 2030.”

“There was no Dalmau in 2018, so the 2019 will be released a little earlier than usual. Made with Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Graciano, all of it from the nine-hectare Canajas vineyard, this is structured, inky and wonderfully profound, with some leafy top notes, chalky minerality, dark, brooding liquorice, cassis and blackberry fruit, perfumed French oak and the concentration to reward patience. 2027-2040.”

“Deep and intense, yet mineral, with fresh blackberries, blueberries, black olives, pepper and lemon peel. Hints of graphite, cocoa powder, incense and cedar, too. Flavorful and juicy, medium-to full-bodied palate with a zesty quality to the fruit. Very long and eclectic, with a traditional twist to the modern sensibility. 86% tempranillo with 10% cabernet sauvignon and 4% graciano. Nothing hefty here. Better after 2025, when extra complexity will have emerged.”