Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva 2004, Rioja, Spain

 

This wine is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuela and 5% Graciano with maturation taking place in a combination of French and American oak barrels and alcohol coming in at a reasonable 13.5%. The finished wine spent 48 months in bottle before being released.

 

This blend opened up with aromas of blackberry/cherry fruit, stewed plums, wood smoke and Asian spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied, stewed fruit (prunes and figs) and smoky flavours, low acidity and fine grained tannins. A medium length on the finish, lacking freshness and energy, the vestige of barrels fermentation were still quite apparent. Most likely will be much better in a year or two but will never achieve elegance in my view. Still enjoyable but I was hopping for better. Suggestive pairing, leg of lamb, score 88 points.

 

Purchased September 5, 2012 at the SAQ in Gatineau (00325084) at $32.25