2021, Telmo Rodriguez, Yjar Rioja, Alavesa, SPAIN, Organic Wine

Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Granegro and Rojal.

An excellent vintage in Rioja, and the promise of Yjar is delivering a totally knockout wine here. Impossible not to smile when tasting this, so much energy and precision, savoury, mouthwatering redcurrant, cranberry, blueberry fruits, with waves of dried herbs, lavender, and crushed rose petals. Juicy, moreish, building in power across the palate. Tasted at the estate and again in Bordeaux. Telmo Rodriguez winemaker of this 3.8ha plot set within his family Remelluri estate in the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño in Rioja Alavesa. 2027-2040.
100/100 Jane Anson.

A fabulous Yjar on the Place this year. Fragrant nose, roses and peony flowers, Chinese five spice, cinnamon and exotic spices. Great clarity and focus, juicy and fleshy with a great mouthfeel. A modern take on Rioja but so well defined and delineated. Lovely poised structure, definitely powerful but funnelled into a long finish. Beautiful in all the senses - calm, collected, detailed, easy to drink with plenty of interest and power. I love it. 2027 - 2043
96 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

The 2021 Yjar comes from 3.8 hectares of old vines in Remelluri, Labastida. Comprising Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and others, it aged for about 30 months in foudres and barrels. Classical in style, it features undergrowth, cotton candy, cherry and herbal notes, framed by subtle touches of oak. Broad, juicy and textural, with fine tannins and a gentle balsamic finish, this is a nuanced, refined Rioja that marries tradition with the profound character of the Sonsierra.
96 Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous.