96pts Wine AdvocateThe second vintage of the top-of-the-range 2018 Yjar was produced with Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and other grapes from selected plots from Remelluri. It has 14.6% alcohol and a pH of 3.45. This has a more modern profile than the other wines from Remelluri, with more sophisticated tannins, a wine that is different, ripe and powerful, with the depth of the Remelluri wines. It's spicy and peppery, long and chewy with a long finish marked by the limestone from the soils. 5,700 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2021. TerroirThe Yjar vineyard lies at the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño in Rioja Alavesa, where altitude and Atlantic influence play a crucial role in shaping the wine’s character. Cooling breezes and significant diurnal shifts help preserve acidity and aromatic precision. The soils are a complex blend of limestone, clay, and sandstone, offering both structure and finesse. This unique combination allows for slow, even ripening and contributes to the wine’s depth, minerality, and balance. Winemaking & Technical NotesYjar is crafted as a field blend of traditional Rioja varieties, led by Tempranillo and complemented by Graciano, Garnacha, and other indigenous grapes. The fruit is hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure only the highest quality. Fermentation is carried out in small vessels with gentle extraction, preserving elegance and site expression. The wine is then aged in oak barrels with a restrained approach to new oak, allowing the purity of the vineyard to shine. Extended élevage ensures seamless integration and complexity before release. Tasting NotesDeep ruby with garnet tones, the 2018 vintage opens with an intricate bouquet of red and black cherry, plum, and wild berries, layered with notes of violet, cedar, dried herbs, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is structured yet graceful, with fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and earthy minerality unfold with precision, leading to a long, persistent finish marked by elegance and баланс. Food Pairing & ServiceA refined and versatile Rioja, ideal with: Roasted lamb and beef Game dishes and slow-braised meats Mushroom-based cuisine Aged cheeses such as Manchego Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C). Decant for 1–2 hours to fully reveal its aromatic and structural complexity. Cellaring PotentialBuilt for long-term evolution, Yjar 2018 will continue to develop over 15–25 years. With time, it will gain additional nuance, revealing layers of leather, dried herbs, and spice while maintaining its elegant structure. A modern icon of Rioja, Yjar 2018 is a wine of depth, precision, and unmistakable sense of place—crafted for collectors and connoisseurs seeking something truly distinctive.
