Yjar (Telmo Rodriguez) Rioja 2020

98 points Zekun Shuai (JamesSuckling.com): "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. (9/11/24)"

97 points Tim Atkin, MW: "[14.5%] Now into its fourth vintage, this ambitious cuvée has done wonders for the image of Rioja in the fine wine market, thanks to its success on the Place de Bordeaux. Sourced from a 3.8-hectare parcel, it's an unspecified field blend of mostly Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Granegro and Rojal. Chalky, refined and intense, it has flavours of plum, clementine, raspberry and redcurrant, sinewy, Nebbiolo-like tannins, subtle oak integration and a chalky finish. 2028-2040. (2025)."

96+ points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "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. Drink 2025-2034. (02/29/24)."