YJAR Telmo Rodriguez Rioja 2021

YJAR Telmo Rodríguez Rioja 2021 – a great year for an iconic wine

100 Anson / 100 Suckling / 98 Wine Advocate / 96 Decanter
Jane Anson: “An excellent vintage in Rioja, and the promise of Yjar is delivering a totally knockout wine here. Impossible not to smile when tasting this…”

YJAR 2021 is the prestigious single-vineyard project of Telmo Rodríguez, one of Spain's most influential winemakers. This wine comes from an exceptional vineyard in Labastida, Rioja Alavesa, situated at the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño, and is produced in an extremely limited edition: only 10,050 bottles. The wine is packaged in a wooden case of 3 bottles.

The 2021 vintage received maximum recognition with 100 points from both Jane Anson and James Suckling, immediately placing YJAR among the absolute world elite of Rioja wines. In terms of style, YJAR is not a classic Rioja, but a modern interpretation of what top terroir in Rioja can produce: power, finesse, tension, and a distinct identity.

Tasting note YJAR Telmo Rodríguez Rioja 2021 – refined and complex

In the glass, YJAR 2021 displays a deep, concentrated ruby ​​color. The fragrance is intense and layered, with aromas of black cherry, blueberry, and blackberry, complemented by notes of incense, clove, bay leaf, and subtle wood.

On the palate, the wine is powerful yet refined, with an open structure, firm yet ripe tannins, and impressive depth. The fruit remains bright and fresh, supported by minerality and spiciness. The finish is exceptionally long and complex, with ever-new layers that continue to develop.

This is a wine with both immediate expression and great aging potential.

2021: A magnificent vintage in Rioja

The 2021 vintage is considered one of the best of the past decade in RiojaAfter a short, cold winter, a dry and warm summer followed. Rain in early September, combined with dry, windy days, ensured perfect ripening and exceptional grape quality.

The result for YJAR Telmo Rodriguez Rioja 2021 is a wine with precision, balance, and a character true to the terroir. According to Telmo Rodríguez himself. is 2021 een referentiejaar voor zijn domein.

YJAR Telmo Rodríguez Rioja 2021 Terroir project with historical roots

YJAR emerged from an ambitious terroir project within the historic Remelluri estate. The vineyard is situated at an altitude of 600 to 800 meters, on deep, stony loam soils rich in limestone and marl. These soils ensure excellent water retention and deep root growth, contributing to precision and complexity in the wine.

The vines are planted in goblet (bush form) and are grouped with a mass selection of traditional varieties. The plot covers only 3.8 hectares and is farmed organically, with minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar. Everything is geared towards the pure expression of the place.

Grapes, harvest and vinification YJAR 2021

The blend consists exclusively of indigenous Rioja varieties:

• Tempranillo
• Garnacha
• Graciano
• Grangreno
• Rojal

The grapes are harvested by hand in small crates between October 14 and 24, under perfect sanitary conditions. Fermentation takes place entirely naturally with indigenous yeasts in small, open wooden vats. This ensures gentle extraction and maximum aromatic complexity.

After aging in oak barrels, the wine is bottled unfiltered (May 23, 2024), so that structure and texture are fully preserved.

YJAR – grand wine from Rioja

With YJAR, Telmo Rodríguez consciously looks to the tradition of great Bordeaux châteaux, but translates this to the landscape and grapes of Rioja. The wine is a tribute to Labastida's long history as a quality region and to the first modern Rioja wines from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The characteristics of YJAR Telmo Rodríguez Rioja 2021 at a glance

• single-vineyard wine from Labastida, Rioja Alavesa
• sourced from a 3.8-hectare old vineyard at high altitude
• organically processed, with natural fermentation
• blend of local grape varieties
• only 10,050 bottles produced
• awarded 100 points by international critics
• suitable to drink now, but also excellent for aging
• A wine for lovers of great terroir wines, collectors, and special moments.