BigHammerWines.com

“Ribera del Duero is like Rioja’s younger brother, but one that grew up to be bigger and brawnier than its sibling.” Wine Spectator.

Ribera del Duero is a paradise for wine lovers. Within this wine region, you’ll find some of the most unique, exceptional, south-after examples of Spanish wines.

Founded in 1970 by brothers Jesús and Pepe Yllera, Bodegas Yllera was built on generations of family winemaking in Valladolid, Castilla y León—rooted in the era of Los Curros, the roaming winegrowers who sold wine village to village from horse-drawn carts.

 The brothers became early pioneers of modern Rueda Verdejo, crafting contemporary styles long before the region earned its DO. Their success allowed the family to expand into top Castilian regions, including Ribera del Duero, where they now produce expressive reds that speak clearly of place.

Today, the sixth generation—Marcos and Carlos Yllera—continues to drive the estate forward, combining tradition, smart vineyard investment, and modern winemaking to elevate the winery’s presence in Spain and beyond.

2018 Jesús Yllera comes from old-vine parcels across Ribera del Duero—mostly Tempranillo with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon—planted at elevations up to 1,000 meters, giving the wine its lift and aromatic punch.

The vines average 50+ years, rooted mainly in clay and sandy soils for both structure and balance. Produced only in top vintages, the fruit is hand-harvested in small crates, double-sorted, and refined through optical selection.

Fermented gently with gravity flow and daily pump-overs, then aged 12 months in French oak, the result is a polished, modern Ribera: concentrated yet fresh, with refined tannins and real depth.

ABV: 14%

A blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon y Merlot.

Deep ruby in color. Aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum, layered with violet, cocoa, and subtle spice. The palate is concentrated yet fresh, showing polished tannins, dark fruit depth, and a touch of savory oak from its time in French barrels

~94 Points – Gourmet Wines Guide

They have removed the Crianza designation from the 2018 Jesús Yllera (and Roble from the Pepe Yllera...), as the profile of the wine has also changed and transcends the category (but remains in the price range). It follows the path toward more freshness and more elegant wines with less extraction and more finesse that they started making in 2016. It's floral and perfumed with integrated oak, coming through as elegant and powerful, with 14% alcohol and good freshness, fine tannins, and a clean and long finish. This was produced with a majority of Tempranillo with some 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, matured in French oak barrels for 12 months. 60,000 bottles produced. ~ 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

~93 Tim Atkin, Master of Wine

~93 pts – Guía ADN Verema 2024

Color: deep cherry. Aroma: ripe fruit, dried herbs, creamy oak, black fruit, spicy. Flavour: powerful, ripe fruit, spicy, slightly dry, soft tannins. Color: deep cherry, garnet rim. Aroma: aged wood nuances, ripe fruit, cocoa bean, cigar, toasty. Flavour: flavourful, spicy, toasty, powerful tannins. ~ 92 Guía Penin

Delicate, spiced brambly fruit with red cherries and raspberries on the nose. This is juicy and supple on the palate with a medium body and elegant profile of berry fruit that extends to an expressive, medium-long finish. Drink now. ~ 90 James Suckling

***Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles of This Wine***