Bodegas Valdemar Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva 2017

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the Spanish wine region of Rioja, Bodegas Valdemar is a renowned family-run winery whose long winemaking tradition began in 1889 with Joaqun Martnez Bujanda. Currently, the winery, which owns approximately 300 hectares of vineyards, is managed by Jess Martnez Bujanda and his sister Ana, the fifth generation of the family. The Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva is a red blend of mostly Tempranillo with additions of Graciano and Garnacha. The grapes are sourced from the estate's old vines located in Rioja Alavesa. After manual harvesting and vinification, the finished wine ages in a mix of French and American oak barrels (25% American oak) for 32 months. The resulting wine is powerful and intense, with a bright, clear, deep ruby color. Its aromatic profile is intense and complex, with ripe notes of black fruit and plum, followed by hints of aromatic and balsamic herbs, tea leaves, and licorice. On the palate, it is lively and smooth, ample and round, with fine tannins and good structure. The finish is long with notes of licorice. It works deliciously with game and red meat stews.