Yjar 2020

Yjar is the personal Rioja project of Telmo Rodriguez, one of Spain's most respected winemakers, drawn from D.O.Ca. Rioja and blending Tempranillo with Graciano, Garnacha Tinta and the near-forgotten local varieties Grand Noir and Rojal. Reviving old field-blend material of this kind captures the diversity of a traditional Rioja vineyard, each variety contributing structure, acidity or aromatic lift. The wine is raised for 30 months in oak barrels, a long elevage that resolves tannin through gradual oxygen ingress and layers in spice, while the extended ageing builds the tertiary, savoury complexity Rioja is known for. At 14.5% alcohol it is full but composed. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is violet and forest fruit, raspberry and blueberry over darker plum, with oak spice and a developing leathery note. The palate is structured and long, with ripe, fine-grained tannin, savoury depth and a finish that carries fruit, spice and earth. This is a wine with maturity and cellar potential. Decant it and serve at 16 to 18C in a large glass. It calls for roast lamb, aged beef and game.