The 1981 Conde de Valdemar Rioja Reserva by the Bodegas Valdemar / Jesús Martínez Bujanda family (formerly Martínez Bujanda) is a remarkable testament to Rioja’s heritage. With a winemaking legacy dating back to 1889, the family estate underwent significant modernization in the 1980s, including the construction of their new winery in 1981. This period marked a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern vinification, laying the foundation for wines capable of evolving beautifully over decades. While the 1982 vintage often gets the headlines, it is the 1981 vintage that showcases exceptional long-term aging potential and offering a rare glimpse into the maturation of a classic Rioja.

Drinking this 1981 Rioja vintage is like uncorking a bottle of time: decades of sun, soil, and patience swirl with leather, cedar, and whispers of long-lost fruit. Delicate aromas of cedar, spice, and tea predominate, while the palate offers a light, elegant mouth-feel, reflecting its refined maturity.

Now over 40 years old, this Reserva displays the fascinating evolution of a mature Rioja. Its color has shifted to a light brick hue, and tertiary notes of leather, cedar, tea, old spice, and forest floor dominate. This wine is a collector’s gem, offering a tangible sense of history, and is best enjoyed decanted, paired with roasted lamb, game, or aged cheeses that complement its nuanced, evolved profile.

The 1981 vintage offers a rare, historic expression of Rioja at its finest.