Everyone’s ears perked up when we received word that Conde Valdemar was considering investing in the Walla Walla Valley. I had long enjoyed these wines which were truly exceptional values out of La Rioja. A few past favorite bottles immediately creeped into my mind, including the gorgeous Conde Valdemar ‘Reserva’ bottlings from both 2005 and 2006 which overdeliver for the price. On several occasions I have had the opportunity to visit Valdemar Estates, Conde Valdemar’s new winery in Walla Walla. Remarkably this is the first non-American owned winery in Washington. With sweeping views across the Walla Walla Valley and gorgeous, modern touches, this is a must visit for wine lovers near and far. They also serve some top notch tapas that are every bit as good as the views. I received a tour by co-proprietor and CEO Jesús Martínez Bujanda Mora, who represents the fifth generation of his family’s 130-year-old wine business. Jesus hired an eminent Washington winemaker to head his project, Marie-Eve Gilla.
Marie has some serious pedigree on her resume, first coming to the to the United States in 1991, and has previously worked at Argyle, Covey Run, Hogue, Gordon Brothers as well as Forgeron (2001-2019) before coming to Valdemar to serve as head winemaker earlier this year. She has a wealth of experience and I am very excited to see how her wines progress at Valdemar.
Marie’s 2018 Valdemar Estates ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) is a stunning rendition from this famed vineyard in the Yakima Valley. The layers of toasty brioche and minerality of the wine really entice. I loved the 2018 Valdemar Estates ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Syrah (WWB, 92) which has really deep dark fruits and great length. Learn more about this special winery project at https://www.valdemarestates.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Valdemar Estates
2018 Valdemar Estates ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘DuBrul Vineyard’ Chardonnay is an awesome wine by the talented Marie-Eve Gilla. The soft texture and wonderfully rich mouthfeel really makes this sing. Layers of toasted brioche and lemon zest combine with melon and wet stone tones on the palate. This is utterly sensational to enjoy in its youth as this beautiful wine will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2018 Valdemar Estates ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah-They have blended 5% Grenache into this Syrah. Pretty red and dark fruits meld with chocolate and pipe tobacco tones on the nose. The palate has a great vein of tension, delivering full-bodied blackberry compote, black licorice and baking spice flavors. Delicious to enjoy right now, the ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah will enjoy another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2018 Valdemar Estates ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Syrah-The 2018 ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Syrah is a great new wine by Valdemar Estates. The palate shows great poise with a wonderful sense of texture. Layers of espresso bean, blueberry pie and mocha come together with wet stone undertones. Showing good length, this beautiful wine will cellar well for the next ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2018 Valdemar Estates ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah- One of the great sites in the Walla Walla Valley, the famed ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ is an unique small parcel of land located in the Walla Walla Rocks AVA. Very light wet stone tones combine with Umami, smoked brisket and bright red fruits on the nose. The palate has great length and texture with a wonderful feeling of balance. While not particularly stony, the lighter wet stone undertones meld well with the core of red and dark fruits, with seaweed and citrus rind undertones. Drink 2020-2028- 93