Spain's evolution from old world linearity to new world opulence is readily apparent in our Top 100 list from the country. Its departure from time-worn recipes and conventional winemaking have given rise to more drinkable, gastronomic wines. With the release of new vintages, such as 2018, 2019 and 2020, the JamesSuckling.com tasting team has seen rich, beautifully plush, concentrated wines deliver freshness and often striking detail. Spain's premier winemakers have been at the forefront of this stylistic revolution, delivering three 100-pointers to our top 100 list, from the total of 2,800 wines we tasted from Spain over the course of the year.
Among the three, two are from Telmo Rodriguez – Spain's provocative guardian of terroir individuality. Rodriguez has kept a laser-sharp focus on the northern part of the country, particularly in Rioja Alavesa, where his Bodega Lanzaga and Remelluri wines have revived a tradition that goes back to the late 18th Century – an era that predates the modernization and industrialization of Rioja. Our Spanish wine of 2022 – the Yjar Rioja 2018 – is from a 3.8-hectare vineyard that tips its hat to exceptional terroir and artisanal winemaking and has morphed into the new icon of Spain in only its second vintage.