The 2004 Reserva is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Mazuelo aged for 18 months in French and American oak. Dark crimson-colored, it reveals an alluring nose of cedar, spice box, tobacco, black cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it displays considerable finesse along with plenty of ripe, spicy red and black fruit, a silky texture, and excellent balance. This lengthy effort will continue to evolve for another 2-3 years and offer prime drinking from 2011 to 2020.
The original Bodegas Valdemar was founded in Rioja in 1889 with construction of the current winery dating to 1981. The winery has been one of the pioneers in the push to modernize the style of Rioja wines with the goal to make a fresh, fruit-driven expression. The winery owns a total of 1100 acres divided among the three sub-regions of Rioja. 90 ponts Wine Advocate # 181 (Feb 2009).
This ripe, maturing red offers generous flavors of plum, dried cherry, tobacco and candied citrus. Shows firm tannins, yet remains lithe and graceful. Traditional in style. Drink now through 2013. 8,000 cases imported. 89 points T.M for the Wine Spectator, Online May 31, 2009.
Ruby-red. Smoky aromas of red- and blackcurrant, cherry and botanical herbs. Taut red berry flavors are sweetened by vanilla and cola qualities, with dusty herbs contributing complexity. This fully mature Rioja offers good finishing sweetness and a touch of bitter chocolate. And it couldn't be more different from the international style of the old-vine garnacha bottling. 88 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jul/Aug 09.
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