98 points James Suckling

 Extremely well-mannered, traditional character to this, showing layer upon layer of savory complexity on the nose, with iron, dried meat, tobacco, balsamic fruit, dried red berries, orange peel, leather and dried mushrooms. A medium-to full-bodied, linear and zesty Rioja that’s full of nuanced flavors that linger through the very long, savory finish. Floral, too. Yet, it remains bright and precise. Tempranillo with 16% mazuelo.  (11/2022)

97 points Decanter

 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. (SE)  (12/2022)

97 points Wine Advocate

 It's very tough to follow a vintage like 2010, and 2011 was not an easy year; the wine is possibly more powerful and concentrated but keeping the freshness, with a longer élevage but very young and lively, with an elegant texture and mouthfeel, great balance and elegance. The wine feels lively, and it seems impossible that it has been in bottle for over six years. It has the classical profile with the effect of the American oak barrels, cigar box, cedar wood, sweet spices—aromatic, intoxicating, complex. This should age very slowly and for a very long time. (LG)  (7/2022)

97 points Wine Enthusiast

 Deep violet-red to the eye, this wine has a nose of raspberry, white chocolate and juniper berry. Still youthful on the palate, it offers ever-present tannins supporting flavors of dark plum, black cherry, caramel and violet that slowly fade into a soft cherry-pie finish. *Ranked #11 Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2022* (MD)  (4/2022)

95 points Vinous

 Deep garnet. A highly perfumed, complex bouquet evokes red and blue fruits, incense, pipe tobacco, vanilla and mocha, along with smoky mineral and spice nuances that build in the glass. Sappy, palate-staining black raspberry, cherry compote, succulent herb, candied rose and vanilla flavors show excellent depth and clarity, while a spine of juicy acidity contributes cut and structure. Shows excellent energy and detail, finishing with strong persistence, repeating florality and velvety tannins that come in late. (JR)  (4/2021)