CRITIC REVIEWS
Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW
Single-vineyard wine, from a 3.8 ha plot with a field blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Granegro and Rojal, on a loam-calcareous soil, selected after several years of site research. At the heart of Rioja Alavesa. One of the most delicate, complex and deep Rioja wines ever tasted by me, a real jewel with accurate aromatic definition, precise and intense expression and, most of all, an amazing mouthfeel, with extremely fine grain and perfect balance. The finish is very slow and multi-layered, a feast for the senses, but I retain as the most appealing characteristic that unforgettable tact.
Georgina Hindle
The third vintage by oenologist-winemakers Telmo Rodriguez and Pablo Eguzkiza, the 3.8-hectare, single-vineyard cuvée from the limestone foothills of the Sierra de Toloño in Rioja Alavesa is made from a massal selection of Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, Granegro and Rojal. A lovely bright pink-red colour in the glass. Supple and succulent, smooth and round, such a lifeforce on show, a step up slightly from last year - clearly so energetic, forward and sleek. This is defined and powerful no doubt, this is packing a punch in terms of intensity this year, focussed and spiced, the heat and oak come through strongly, but it manages to stay the right side of too much, giving direction and force with lashings of cooling minerality, dried herbs and floral touches. A great wine, joyous, bright, enveloping and high toned. It pulls the palate from black and red fruits to toasted spice, cinnamon, vanilla, blackcurrants and kirsch. Complex and compelling, Yjar always leaves a smile on my face wanting to try another glass and this is no exception.