Bodegas Valdemar uses grapes from their own vineyards in Riojas Alta and Alavesa to create this cuvée of Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Garnacha. It's very much a forward style, potentially mirroring the warmth of the 2012 vintage, with zesty, flavorful, pleasantly gamey foods grown from the ground tannins. Smoky and mineral notes outline a center of fresh dark cherry and licorice in this engaging red. Energetic causticity and all around coordinated tannins give this a decent structure. Drink now through 2024. New and fruity Riojas named, Joven, (which means youthful) see insignificant maturing before discharge, however increasingly genuine Rioja wines experience various years in oak.

Specification