For years the Walla Walla Valley held its breath as one of the giants from Rioja invested in a piece of land near Pepper Bridge. This was going to be the place for what is now without a doubt one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful wineries to visit. I was unquestionably sentimental to this famed Rioja house as the Valdemar wines from the early 2000s that helped awaken me to the incredible range of wines in La Rioja. And the Valdemar Rioja wines continue to overdeliver for the price!
Valdemar 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. CEO Jesús Martínez Bujanda Mora represents the fifth generation of his family’s 130-year-old wine business. A few years back Walla Walla Community College School of Enology and Viticulture graduate Devyani Gupta was named winemaker and viticulturist. Gupta is originally from Portland and is a fellow graduate of Whitman College. During her tenure at Whitman, she worked for Amavi Cellars and in 2016 she completed the enology and viticulture program at Walla Walla Community College. She later worked for FIGGINS and Toil before being hired at Valdemar.
I think she nailed her white wines. The 2022 Valdemar Estates ‘Enter Nosotros’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) is deep and concentrated with a smooth texture and loads of rich citrus and melon fruits. Even better is the 2021 Valdemar Estates ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93). This is rich and concentrated wine that has great structure and aging potential. Learn more about this special winery project at https://www.valdemarestates.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Valdemar Estates
2022 Valdemar Estates ‘Columbia Valley’ Roussanne- The 2022 ‘Columbia Valley’ comes from the acclaimed Olsen and Gamache Vineyards. Right away the Roussanne offers lovely melon and nutty tones on the nose alongside stony accents. The palate is bright and seamless with plenty of mouth-watering acidity. The combination of finesse ands weight really move this melon and citrus fruit-driven wine that is already drinking beautifully now. Drink 2023-2030- 92
2022 Valdemar Estates ‘Entre Nosotros’ Chardonnay- The really good 2022 Valdemar Estates ‘Entre Nosotros’ Chardonnay is smooth and sleek on the mouth. Layers of citrus fruits combine with wet stone and shades of green papaya on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next several years. Drink 2023-2030- 92
2021 Valdemar Estates ‘Entre Nosotros’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The warm vintage 2021 Valdemar Estates ‘Entre Nosotros’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers a smooth mouthfeel. It is a touch lean and linear considering the warmth of the vintage. Well-structured, with medium-bodied boysenberry and black cherry fruit flavors with coffee ground notes, enjoy now and over the next seven plus years. Drink 2023-2030- 90
2021 Valdemar Estates ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is inky in the glass, showing more depth and richness than the ‘Entre Nosotros’ bottling. Layers of tar and graphite collide with salty soils, black currants and espresso grounds on the palate. This is really good right now and will continue to evolve well for another ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 93
2020 Valdemar Estates ‘Klipsun Vineyard’ Syrah- This 2020 Syrah offers black currant and creosote notes alongside bitter chocolate on the palate. Nicely poised, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 90
2021 Valdemar Estates ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- This warm vintage Syrah offers medium-bodied iodine and black olive flavors alongside loganberry fruits and shades of smoked brisket. Neatly made with a soft texture, enjoy now and over the next seven years to come. Drink 2023-2030-92