R. Lopez de Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva 2012 is a true gem from the renowned Rioja region. This wine showcases the mastery and tradition of the Lopez de Heredia family, known for their unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional Rioja wines. In this Reserva, you'll discover a harmonious blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo grapes, aged gracefully for six years in oak barrels before bottling. Upon pouring, the wine reveals a beautiful ruby-red hue, hinting at its depth and complexity.
The nose is a tapestry of aromas, with notes of red berries, dried flowers, leather, and subtle vanilla. On the palate, it exudes elegance and finesse, with well-integrated tannins and a vibrant acidity that accentuates the layers of flavors. You'll find a symphony of red fruit, earthy undertones, and a touch of spice, all leading to a long, graceful finish. This Reserva is a testament to the time-honored winemaking traditions of Rioja and is ready to be savored now or aged further for those seeking an even more profound tasting experience.
Critic Ratings
James Suckling Review - Rated 96:
Savory berries, plums, iron, minerals, tobacco, ink and blood oranges. Very bright, juicy and structured, with sensational balance, aged savoriness and brightness that are typical of Tondonia reds.
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Review - Rated 95:
The 2012 Viña Tondonia Reserva comes from a very dry year, with 25% less rain than the average (at the time), resulting in lower yields of very healthy grapes that delivered wines with nice balance between alcohol and polyphenols, making it very apt for the aging in barrel. It had a slightly longer élevage in barrel, six years. The wine is aromatic with a developed profile, spicy and tertiary (forest floor, a touch of brick dust and iodine), complex and nuanced. The palate is full and round, with polished tannins and a long, dry finish. It has a textbook Tondonia nose and profile.
