Review: Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar 2015 Reserva and 2019 Crianza
Bodegas Valdemar, located in the renowned Rioja region of Spain, has been producing wine since 1889. Today, we’re taking a look at two wines harvested from the Conde Valdemar vineyards, a significant part of this family-owned winery, located in the Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta sub-regions. We’re also revisiting its Crianza offering, which won a favorable review last year, and was also deemed an excellent value buy. Will it perform an encore? Let’s uncork and enjoy.
2015 Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar Reserva – This Reserva is a blend of 79% Tempranillo, 13% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, and 3% Maturana that is aged 19 months in American and French oak barrels. Elegant and rich, this wine presents aromas of black currant, spice and a touch of caramel that provide a teaser for the layers of dark fruit, toffee, and dried fig found on the palate. A touch of clove eventually peeks through for an additional layer of intrigue, and the velvet tannins and bright acidity keep everything in check nicely. Finishing with dense, dark chocolate (think 70% cacao and above) and blackberry, it is complex but never to the point of chaos or confusion. This is one to settle in with for an hour or so and enjoy without distraction. A- / $30
2019 Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar Crianza – A blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha, and 5% Graciano aged 16 months in American Oak, this is quite jammy at first, with blueberry and black currant dominating the conversation at first. Baking spice, vanilla, and oak eventually cut through and integrate nicely. The baking spice hangs about on the lingering finish as the fruit fades, but neither overstays its welcome. The quality remains consistent from last year’s vintage and provides excellent value at this price. Pair it with something off the grill and watch both components of the experience immediately improve. A- / $20
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