Yjar 2018

Yjar 2018 is a full-bodied red wine produced in the Rioja region of Spain. Produced by pioneering terroir-focused winemaker Telmo Rodriguez, Yjar is a single-vineyard cuvée from the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño in Rioja Alavesa. The grapes are harvested from a high-altitude, 3.8ha vineyard planted with a massal selection of Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, Granegro and Rojal, grown on calcareous soils. This wine has been described by critic Jane Anson as "a cult wine in the making". "Such a deep yet complex and sophisticated nose, showing discretion, perfume and finesse. A hint of violet extract to the black cherries, crushed blueberries and cocoa powder aromas, together with Spanish cigars that slowly evolve to truffle, black pepper, incense and freshly chopped herbs. Juicy, yet really composed and dry, with medium to full body and abundant, immaculately fine-grained tannins that unwind evenly on the palate. A style that is restrainedly plush and refined, showing superb precision, cohesion and length, when you give it enough time in your glass. If Las Beatas is the fine Burgundy, then this would be Telmo Rodriguez’s Rioja answer to world-class Bordeaux." 100 points, James Suckling, 2022