The prestigious British magazine Decanter has published its highly anticipated annual report, in which Castillo Ygay 2012, crafted by Marqués de Murrieta, has been named “Best Rioja 2025”, as it received the highest score among all red wines from the region.

To compile this ranking, the magazine’s editors Inés Salpico and Beth Willard conducted a blind tasting of over 700 wines from across the Denomination of Origin.

Founded in London in 1975, Decanter has long been one of the most influential wine publications in the world. The release of this report coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin (DOCa), highlighting a period of evolution and transformation for the region.

"This news fills us with great joy, and I can only thank my entire team for their tireless effort and passion," says Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga, president of Marqués de Murrieta, who celebrates this new recognition for his flagship wine. "Castillo Ygay is a challenge to the passage of time, continuously proving that the pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to quality bear fruit," he adds.

A Wine World Icon

Castillo Ygay is regarded as one of the world’s most admired and sought-after wines. It is the Spanish wine that has most frequently achieved the coveted 100-point score from leading international critics such as Robert Parker and James Suckling.

In 2020, it reached the pinnacle when it was named “Best Wine in the World” by the American publication Wine Spectator, a milestone that undoubtedly helped enhance the global reputation of high-quality Spanish wines.

Castillo Ygay is made exclusively from the best grapes of La Plana, a 40-hectare vineyard planted in 1950, located in the highest area of Marqués de Murrieta’s Finca Ygay estate.

2012 Vintage

This latest accolade is not the only one received by the 2012 vintage. Renowned wine critic Pilar Cavero, named Spain’s Best Sommelier, ranked the 2012 Castillo Ygay as #1 in her 2024 list of Spain’s Best Wines (ABC Guide).

International praise has been equally strong, with respected American critic James Suckling awarding it a perfect 100-point score after tasting over 4,000 wines.