In our Fine Wine, Champagne, Vintage Port and Spirits auction on Wednesday 27 August, we are delighted to present a remarkable 1970 vintage of Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial. Here, Senior Wine Consultant, Mark Robertson, tells us more about this exciting Double Magnum bottle.
When this vintage first went into barrel, Spain was under a teetotal fascist that viewed wine as a sacrament, not as a cherished part of Spanish culture. It would be 26 years before the wine was finally bottled, emerging into a new global audience and a reawakening Spanish wine market, following decades of quantity overshadowing quality.
The 1970 Gran Reserva Especial is now regarded as one of the most important and celebrated Spanish wines of the last century. While names like Vega Sicilia and Pingus may carry modern glamour, Castillo Ygay represents true Spanish nobility.
The bottle in our upcoming auction is believed to be one of the very few Double Magnums remaining in the world. This is not a wine to be enjoyed casually. After maturing for so long in barrel, and someone's restraint in opening, it deserves both reverence and the right company. Share it with wonderful food and dear friends.
Though I have never tasted this wine myself, recent tasting notes speak of extraordinary complexity, youthful vibrancy, remarkable depth, impeccable structure, and an aroma that fills the room the moment the cork is pulled.
It is an honour to present this exceptional wine in our August auction of Fine Wine, Champagne, Vintage Port and Spirits.
This is a live online auction with an auctioneer. The auction will take place on Wednesday 27 August (starting at 10.30am BST) at Dreweatts Newbury, but please note all wine and spirits are stored off-site at LCB Eton Park. Bidding is available online, by telephone, by commission bids or in person at Dreweatts. Please contact Dreweatts to register all commission bids or telephone bids by 12 noon BST the day before the sale.
Browse the auction
Sign up to email alerts
THINKING OF SELLING?
Our specialists can provide valuations on single bottles and entire cellars, as well as advice on starting and maintaining your cellar. For further details or a free auction valuation, please contact:
Dreweatts Wine Department
Mark Robertson | Violette Jongbloed | Emily Clarke
Direct tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 594
Main tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 553
E-mail: wine@dreweatts.com
Sign up for auction alerts and our monthly newsletter to receive expert analysis and insights from our specialists and keep up-to-date on forthcoming auctions, valuation days and previews.