2015 Conde Valdemar Reserva ($28.99)
Valdemar Family is comprised of 334 hectares (825 acres) of family-owned vineyards spanning Bodegas Valdemar in Roija, Spain and Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, Washington. The winemaking legacy of the Martínez Bujanda family dates back to 1889. The fifth generation siblings Ana and Jesús are currently at the helm of both estates on two continents.
For a Rioja to be called a “Reserva” means that it undergoes a minimum of three years of aging with at least one year in barrels and six months in the bottle. In this case, this Conde Valdemar Reserva spent 19 months in American oak (65%) and French oak (35%).
Produced from 85% Tempranillo, 7% Garnacha, 5% Garciano and 3% Maturana, this wine is medium-full bodied. It is a medium ruby-garnet color, showing its age. On the nose, it has muted aromas of fig, plum and cherry. On the palate, this Conde Valdemar Reserva has soft flavors of raisin, prune and fig. Its tannins are smooth, with medium-low acidity. It finishes soft, showing its 10-year age. Its a very nice Rioja Reserva!
To find ten year old wines is difficult, but to find one at this price is amazing! This 2015 Conde Valdemar Reserva is a really nice wine that’s available at a great price. That makes it a perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review.
Media Sample Provided by Valdemar Family via Ten27 Communications