TELMO RODRIGUES Rioja Yjar, La Bastida de Alava - DOCa Rioja Alevesa 2020 Bottle ORG

Description

The 2020 Yjar, crafted by esteemed winemaker Telmo Rodriguez, is a single-vineyard cuvée from the Sierra de Toloño foothills in Rioja. This remarkable wine, scoring 96+ points from The Wine Advocate, showcases elegant floral notes and expressive aromatics that develop with time, highlighting the finesse of the marl soils and stones. The meticulous selection process following hail led to a higher proportion of Garnacha, fermented in open-top oak vats with indigenous yeasts and aged for approximately 30 months. James Suckling awarded it 98 points, noting its minerality and aromas of chalk, seashells, violets, and red berries. With fine tannins and a vibrant mouthfeel, this wine is best enjoyed from 2025 and holds exceptional aging potential for over 20 years.

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Telmo Rodrigues is a renowned Spanish winemaker celebrated for his innovative approach and commitment to producing high-quality wines across various regions of Spain. Born into a winemaking family, he co-founded Compañía de Vinos Telmo Rodríguez, focusing on wines that reflect the unique terroir and diversity of local grape varieties. The winery emphasizes sustainable and organic farming practices, sourcing grapes from distinguished vineyards in traditional areas like Rioja and Ribera del Duero, as well as emerging regions such as Galicia and Andalucía. Telmo's winemaking philosophy prioritizes minimal intervention, allowing the true character of the grapes and terroir to shine through. His wines are known for their elegance, balance, and expressive flavors, earning acclaim from wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.

A single vineyard cuvée from the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño in Rioja made by Telmo Rodriguez. Telmo Rodriguez is one of the greatest of Spanish winemakers. He owns large hectares of vines, covering Gredos, Valdeorras, Ribera del Duero and Rioja, among others. The property is located in the foothills of the Sierra Tolono. YJAR is based on an old, high altitude vineyard of 3.8 hectares located in Labastida, Rioja (Remelluri property). Telmo Rodríguez, "it is the great wine, the jewel that we have extracted from this exceptional vineyard with unique characteristics.”

THE WINE ADVOCATE 96+ points
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
Drink Date: 2025 - 2034
The nose of the 2020 Yjar developed very floral notes with time in the glass, making it very aromatic, expressive and elegant. This is completely different from the other two reds, as this comes from a specific plot. It reveals the finesse of the marl soils and the austerity of the stones. It was a year of sorting and discarding (they had hail) to achieve the consistency they look for in this wine. The different varieties co-planted in the vineyard fermented together (there's more Garnacha here) in open-top oak vats with indigenous yeasts. The wine matured in foudres and barrels of different sizes for approximately 30 months. It's elegant and clean, with a seamless palate, very fine tannins and a vibrant mouthfeel. 12,656 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2023.

JAMES SUCKLING 98 points
The minerality offers a thin gauze that veils the notes of chalk, seashells, violets, white pepper, flowers and red and blue berries. Touches of graphite, spices and grapefruit zest as well. The tannins are dusty and abundant, melding into the extremely long, mineral finish. Transparent, pure and stony! Pristine and understated, yet complex and persistent. This is a chalky wine. 12,652 bottles. Drink from 2025, but you can keep this for 20 plus years.