Yjar 2021
Crafted by Telmo Rodriguez, this accolade is a testament to his dedication to honoring the ancient vineyards of Rioja. Growing up at the venerable Remelluri vineyard estate, Telmo went on to study enology in Bordeaux before working for several renowned producers, including Cos d’Estournel, and with illuminary producers such as Trévallon’s Eloi Dürrbach and Gérard Chave in Hermitage.
Telmo has dedicated his efforts to the restoration of ancient vineyards in Alta Rioja, labors which have awarded him a 100 point score in just the third vintage of this rare wine. The Yjar is a blend of Tempranillo (dominant), Garnacha, Graciano, and other grapes from 3.8 hectares of selected plots from the Remelluri vineyards.
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Varietal Composition | Tempranillo, Garnacha, Carinena, Mazuelo |
| Appellation | Rioja |
| Vineyard | Remulluri |
| Alcohol | 14.50% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Country of Origin | SPAIN |
| State of Origin | N/A |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
100 Points, James Suckling:
#26 in Top 100 World Wines, 2025. Crushed dark berries are complemented by violets and underbrush with a gentle touch of tobacco. The sophisticated palate shows exceptional definition and polished tannins that are seamlessly integrated into a core of vibrant, restrained fruit. It’s all held together by a linear freshness characteristic of the vintage. This wine has depth, persistence and an incredibly stylish profile. Firm yet with an underlying tenderness. Beautiful now but will continue to evolve. Drink or hold.
98 Points, Wine Advocate:
The finest Yjar to date has to be the 2021 Yjar. It's super elegant and aromatic and has more finesse than the Gran Vino, subtler, nuanced and insinuating. It's seamless and balanced, very harmonious, with ripeness, concentration and power but very elegant. It fermented in small oak vats and matured in foudres and barrels of different sizes for 30 months. It has a seamless palate with very elegant and fine tannins, the 2021 signature and very good freshness too. 10,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2024.
