Joe Perry, spot on as usual!!!!

Yup, my `00 Conde de Valdemar was nothing to rave about! I was thinking of doing an Open Mike on this winery but Joe`s remarks were a warning sign. Thanks Joe....but I opened it anyway!

WTN: `00 Conde de Valdemar Reserva, Rioja.

Opened an hour and half, not decanted, 13.5% alc, so-so vintage by all accounts. Oh, how I remember that wonderful `86!!

Colour. Dull ruby-red, starting to show some bricking on the rim.

Nose. Not much here. Some earthness, pepper, spice, plum, black cherry.

Palate. Initial mouthfeel entry is cherry, low tannin, so-so mid palate and weak finish. Sure lacks some fruit and reflects the vintage, will check back tomorrow.

Cost was $20 Cdn.

Joe Perry, spot on as usual!!!!

He's quite a Superman, that Joe.

He's quite a Superman, that Joe.

That's what I hair

Some Rioja houses hit their peak in the 40's or 50's (or before) - a few in the 60's - and most started to decline in the late 70's (with notable exceptions). For Martinez Bujanda and Conde de Valdemar, the 1980's were the apex of achievement. Recent efforts have been mediocre at best, especially in a poor vintage like 2000.

Bill B. and I drank a 1987 Valdemar Crianza a few months back which was, for Crianza, without peer.

Yup, remember those days Joe!! After 24 hrs, the rest of this reserva was dominated by an acidic finish. Not too memorable, next up the `01 PradoRay.