Yjar 2019 is an exclusive wine from the legendary winemaker Telmo Rodríguez and his project in Rioja Alavesa. The wine marks a new and ambitious chapter in Spanish winemaking and is already regarded as a modern icon.
Origin and terroir
The name Yjar comes from the historic owner, the Duke of Híjar, and refers to the Granja Nuestra Señora de Remelluri estate in Rioja Alavesa. The vineyards are situated high in the mountains at 600–800 meters above sea level, with limestone-rich soils that lend the wines remarkable freshness and minerality. This area carries a long winemaking tradition and offers a unique terroir where history and nature meet.
Grapes and winemaking
Yjar comes from 3.8 hectares of old vines, planted with a field blend of native Rioja varieties. Tempranillo and Garnacha dominate, complemented by Graciano and the rarer varieties Granegro and Rojal. The winemaking is respectful and precise, followed by 30 months of maturation in French oak barrels and large foudres. The extended ageing provides depth, complexity, and a refined balance between tradition and innovation.
Nose and palate
Yjar 2019 immediately impresses with its aromatic depth. The bouquet reveals layers of blood orange, cherry blossom, sage, thyme, dried flowers, and a touch of incense. The red fruit is fresh and vibrant, while herbs and floral notes add elegance.
On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with polished tannins and a firm mineral backbone. Flavours of red berries and blueberries combine with hints of black pepper, cedar, and cocoa. Subtle herbal nuances and a whisper of smoke add complexity. The balance between fruit, acidity, and structure is striking, creating a refined and energetic mouthfeel.
The finish is long, fresh, and harmonious, lingering with notes of fruit, spice, and minerality.
Impression and status
Yjar 2019 is already seen as a milestone in Rioja. Critics have awarded it some of the highest scores ever given to a Spanish cuvée, praising its delicacy, balance, and precision alongside its energy and intensity.
Distribution
The wine also holds a unique place on the international stage. Yjar 2019 was among the first Spanish wines released through La Place de Bordeaux – the distribution platform reserved for some of the world’s most prestigious wines. This underscores its significance and its rightful place among the very best.
Summary
Yjar Rioja 2019 unites historic terroir with modern craftsmanship and uncompromising quality. It is both intense and energetic, yet elegant and harmonious – a wine that expresses the depth of Rioja Alavesa and Telmo Rodríguez’s vision, and one that is already regarded as a future classic.
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