Valdemar Estates is the product of five generations of winemaking. Originating from Rioja in Spain, the family has been making wine since 1889 (the same year, coincidentally, that Washington became a state).
Jesús Martinez Bujanda, the CEO and fifth-generation representative of the Valdemar family, moved to Walla Walla from Rioja to launch the winery. “We intend to showcase the most exciting terroirs of Washington State, including two estate vineyards—one in The Rocks District and the other in the North Fork,” says Jesús. “This is truly the most wonderful place to live and work, everyone is so invested in helping us succeed.”
The aesthetic and modern tasting room and dining area sit above the state-of-the-art winery, where visitors mingle beside a reflecting pool and a wall waterfall, basking in views of the Blue Mountains.
“In order to enhance the experience even more, we decided to offer a tapas menu to pair with the wines from Bodegas Valdemar, our sister winery in Rioja,” says Jesús, “as well as our first releases from Washington State: three Syrahs, made by winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla.” Gilla, formerly of Forgeron Cellars, is head winemaker for Valdemar Estates.
Try their charcuterie board including Iberico meats, or other Spanish inspired bites such as piquillo peppers, olive oil tastings or boquerones.
The winery and tasting room is located at 3808 Rolling Hills Lane, Walla Walla and is open daily. Learn more at www.valdemarestates.com
Below are 3 releases we recently reviewed:
Valdemar Estates 2017 Klipsun Vineyard Syrah, $65
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Rich scents of smoldering dark blue fruit, violet and loamy earth are joined by savory-driven flavors of macerated black and red berries, pomegranate, pencil shavings and tar. Plush in feel, loaded with dusty spice and firm tannins that speak volumes on the high-toned finish.
Conde Valdemar 2012 Reserva, $30
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Conde Valdemar’s flagship red wine is sourced from the family’s estate vinehyards in Rioja, Spain. This Tempranillo-forward red wine is sophisticated, offering elegant aromas and flavors of ripe red fruit, cigar wrapper, tea, licorice, fig and dried orange hints wrapped around a beam of balsamic-accented acidity. Poised, smooth and expressive.
Conde Valdemar 2017 Finca Alto Cantabria, $30
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Jesús was the first producer in Rioja to barrel ferment this Spanish white varietal, called Viura, which adds greater overall body and complexity. Floral aromas of white flower blossom and white stone fruit lead to a crisp and zesty mouthfeel. Good weight and structure powers the vibrant mix of green apple, apricot, lemon citrus and limestone flavors backed by oak spice.