Bodega Valdemar, founded in 1889, is still owned by the Bujanda family and run by Jesus Martínez Bujanda and his son Carlos and daughter Ana. For the past three years, Bodega Valdemar has received the "Critics Choice Award" from Wine Spectator, one of the most prestigious awards given by specialized journalists. Furthermore, the winery's most influential wine critic, Robert Parker, rated it "excellent." That's saying something.
The grapes are harvested from two of Bodega Valdemar's own vineyards. They are harvested late, in the second week of October, to wait for the tannins to reach their full ripeness. After harvest, a rigorous selection process follows. After fermentation, the wine is aged for twelve months in a combination of French and American oak, with French oak accounting for three-quarters and American oak for one-quarter. This gives the wine a wonderfully soft and refined character.
And that makes this Inspiracion Seleccion one of the finest wines from Rioja. The aroma boasts all the beautiful notes of a good Rioja, abundant herbs and ripe black fruit complemented by a lovely spiciness, raisins, and balsamic vinegar. Not to forget the distinct vanilla and cedarwood, which are clearly discernible. This inspiring aroma continues on the palate, making this Inspiracion Valdemar Seleccion exceptionally well-balanced. The palate is refined with lovely ripe tannins and abundant black fruit notes of blackberry and cherry.
