My Personal Recommendation For You

Bodegas Valdemar Inspiración Selección 2010 Rioja; Spain ( Regular $24.99) Now $18.99

#34 Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2013 : 91pts!

Each year, Wine Spectator editors survey the wines reviewed over the previous 12 months to select their Top 100 list based on quality (represented by score), value (reflected by release price), availability (based on the number of cases either made or imported into the United States) and the new “X-factor” (the intensity of interest a wine excites by way of their singularity or authenticity) – and Valdemar’s Inspiración won each category!

To date, when any wine achieves such a recognition, the basic lesson in Economics 101 applies: supply won’t equal demand!

Winemaking there in the Rioja region of Spain is thought to date back to Roman times, as shown by the presses and cellars found during archaeological excavations in the area. Certainly not as old, Bodegas Valdemar has been making quality wines for 124 years, and the fifth generation of winemakers, Carlos and Ana Martínez Bujanda – after getting to know and studying other appellations of origin and wine-making regions around the world – brought their knowledge and concerns back to the family business, creating a new style of Rioja wine . . the birth of Inspiración.

The Inspiración is a modern-styled wine; and this contemporary winery's most personal and expressive product. It’s a proprietary blend of the region’s main player, Tempranillo, along with the indigenous minority varieties Graciano and Maturana, two grape varieties that had all but disappeared from the Rioja.

Winemaker’s production/tasting notes:

The harvest was selected micro-plots and the grapes were transported to the winery in small crates. The daily harvest was stored in cold storage, which meant we are able to vat the grapes at the exact temperature required and thus ensure perfect fermentation to obtain enhanced extraction of flavors and a more stable color.

80% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 10% Maturana aged in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels for 10 months.

"A striking, deep, black-cherry color. Complex aromas of wild berries and very well integrated balsamic nuances. Very expressive as it passes through the mouth. Oily but with very pleasant slightly acid notes which ensure good further evolution in the bottle."

Review:

“Fresh and focused, this sleek, lively red shows black cherry, wild berry, licorice, mineral and toasty flavors that glide over the palate, supported by well-integrated tannins and bright acidity. A graceful, modern style. Drink now through 2018.” – 91 pts. Thomas Matthews/Wine Spectator (November 2013).