The 1989 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial was produced with 76% Tempranillo, 14% Garnacha (a year higher in Garnacha), 7% Mazuelo and 3% Graciano. It matured in tank for a few months and then in American oak barrels, a mixture of newer ones and well-seasoned, neutral ones, for 45 months. It has 13% alcohol, with 7.2 grams of acidity and 0.6 grams of volatile acidity. 1989 was a fairly dry year with only 285 liters of rain per square meter. This is austere with high acidity and plenty of tannin, a thinner wine with a metallic personality and detached acidity. The 1980s were probably the weakest wines, thin wines with lots of acidity. - Luis Gutiérrez

This ink-colored wine is still vivid and youthful with a bright streak of acidity enlivening the dried cherry raisin and cola flavors. The tannins are firm but ripe and fresh. More power than subtlety but plenty of stuffing to develop with age. Drink now through 2008. 3000 cases made. –TM