2019 Yjar, Telmo Rodriguez, Rioja, Spain

There’s just something incredible about YJAR. Made from 3.8ha of very special vineyards within the sanctity of Telmo Rodríguez’s Granja Ntra Sra Remelluri estate in the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño, the wine has a magical energy about it. It just glows in the glass with a vibrant, bright red cherry colour. The aromas are incredibly complex and almost hard to grasp: cherry blossom, lilac, and herbs vie with an intense yet delicate blood orange character and an incense top note. Lovely.

The palate is still tight at this stage, suggesting this has a very long way ahead of it, but it is wonderfully bright and refreshing. The tannins are delicate and chalky, yet the palate is still coated with sweet red cherry, Grenache-style fruit. Telmo says he wanted this wine to have a white pepper feel to it, and this sensation of spice lingers on the endless finish. This is a wine of gorgeous balance and ultimate poise. Superb.

Drink 2025 to 2045+

Catriona Felstead MW, Senior Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd (September 2023)