This single vineyard Rioja cuvée from winemaker Telmo Rodríguez was the first of its kind to be sold through Bordeaux’s legendary distribution system, known as, La Place de Bordeaux. Yjar’s popularity on La Place was fueled by glowing reviews from critics, like Jane Anson of Decanter who deemed Yjar, “A cult wine in the making,” awarding it an impressive 98-points. A cumulation of centuries of winemaking, Telmo says. “I wanted to launch this project using the history of Remelluri to show the French that we’ve been here since 1420.” Remelluri is one of Spain’s most iconic landscapes with its chalky mountainous vineyards, nestled in Rioja’s best nugget, the Alavesa. Yjar is pure Alavesa, from an exceptional Remelluri plot, planted to old-vines of Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, and the almost extinct, Granegro and Rojal grapes. It's a terroir-lover’s dream with its gobs of sweet stone and fragrant spice, and in classic Telmo fashion, the palate is exuberant, yet far from flashy. 98, indeed. ~AA