Telmo Rodriguez 
2018 war ein Ausnahmejahr. YJAR verbindet uns mit den feinsten Tanninen, die wir in den historischen Weinen von 1964 finden konnten. Er ist raffiniert und lebendig mit einem perfekten Sinn für Harmonie, aromatisch und subtil zugleich. Rein und raffiniert mit einem seidigen Gaumen und samtigen Tanninen. Es vereint Kraft und Eleganz. Der Jahrgang 2018 ist das, wovon jeder Winzer einmal im Leben träumt. 

James Suckling 
Such a deep yet complex and sophisticated nose, showing discretion, perfume and finesse. A hint of violet extract to the black cherries, crushed blueberries and cocoa powder aromas, together with Spanish cigars that slowly evolve to truffle, black pepper, incense and freshly chopped herbs. Juicy, yet really composed and dry, with medium to full body and abundant, immaculately fine-grained tannins that unwind evenly on the palate. A style that is restrainedly plush and refined, showing superb precision, cohesion and length, when you give it enough time in your glass. If Las Beatas is the fine Burgundy, then this would be Telmo Rodriguez’s Rioja answer to world-class Bordeaux. Decant it to let the complexity come through. Drink through the next 20 plus years. 

Jane Anson 
Since this wine launched its inaugural vintage last September, I have visited the vineyard, which is tucked in a 3.8ha limestone-dominant corner of the bigger Remelluri estate. You feel the fragrant herbs of the surrounding hills in the wine, breathing proof of terroir into the glass. It means I have tasted this vintage both from barrel at the estate, and now in bottle, and it confirms that this is an extremely special wine. The 2018 is now four years since harvest and still has the raspberry violet blush of a young wine. The fragrance hits you as soon as you wave your nose over the glass, with freshly cut rosemary, sage and tarragon, along with violets, roses, heather, lemongrass and mandarin peel - just so much complexity and nuance. Takes off through the palate, rising through the finish to give a mouthwatering sign off. This was the wine I was most looking forward to trying again for the September Releases, and it does not disappoint.