Robert Parker, Jr.:  Designated as one of Spain's Top 100 Wine Values and rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character.   "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.  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."  Feb 2009

Winery:  "Colour: It presents a brilliant red cherry colour.  Aroma: On the nose, subtle spicy notes and ripe black fruit touches stand out.  Palate: In mouth, the entry is potent and full of flavour. It has a long aftertaste of ripe berries well combined with the fine tannins provided by the oak barrel ageing.  Pairing:  This wine is a great match with grilled and stewed meat. It also goes well with oven-baked fish or fish in sauce, as well as cold meats and strong, dry cheeses."

Wired For Wine:  The excellent balance and finesse of the Bodegas Valdemar Conde de Valdemar Reserva, combined with its rich red fruit and fine tannins delivers a sure thing of a crowd pleaser.  The potent flavors in this Reserva will pair beautifully with a variety of meats, namely beef, game with fruit, lamb chops and roasted poultry.  If you like tapas, this wine is the one for you.  Set out an assorted platter of chorizo, Serrano ham, potato croquettes and olives and wash it all down with a delicious glass of Bodegas Valdemar.  Our first choice for an entree with this ruby prize is a Catalan beef stew which has simmered for hours.  Grilled rib lamb chops will delight as well.  Sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy the masterfully simple, pure combination.  If paella is a favorite, load it up with sausage and some duck.  To close, open another bottle and enjoy it with a nutty, sweet and tangy Spanish sheep's milk Manchego cheese served with roasted peppers and rustic bread.  The crowd roared...  Vamos a comer!

Size:  750ml
Varietal:  90% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo
Vintage:  2004
Alcohol:  13.5%
Ageing:  18 months in American and French oak barrels
Region:  La Rioja, Spain