R. López de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Blanco Malvasia Viura
La Rioja Alta, La Rioja, Spain
Splash decanted directly before service; enjoyed over the course of a few hours out of red Solo cups. The 1981 Gran Reserva Blanco pours, a golden color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Khalas dates, dried apricot, black lemon, almonds, toasted coconut and marshmallow. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is waxy. A cerebral wine and just lovely stuff. Well stored bottles have a long life yet left ahead. Drink now with patience and plenty of air and through 2051.
Splash decanted directly before service; enjoyed over the course of a few hours out of red Solo cups. The 1981 Gran Reserva Blanco pours, a golden color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Khalas dates, dried apricot, black lemon, almonds, toasted coconut and marshmallow. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is waxy. A cerebral wine and just lovely stuff. Well stored bottles have a long life yet left ahead. Drink now with patience and plenty of air and through 2051.
Oct 17th, 2025
It is well known that classic white Rioja can handle decades in a bottle. I believe Lopez de Heredia is  a true master at this game. 
This 1981 Tondonia is rustic and musty at first then, after decanted, open with a beautifull palate, full and dense with a super be acidity. It is a wine you cannot compare to anything in the world but this mix of  brightness, light oxidation and maturity is phenomenal. A very serious wine with tons of spices,  with a sexy cassonade/ cinnamon nose. I absolutely loved it. A true experience
It is well known that classic white Rioja can handle decades in a bottle. I believe Lopez de Heredia is  a true master at this game. 
This 1981 Tondonia is rustic and musty at first then, after decanted, open with a beautifull palate, full and dense with a super be acidity. It is a wine you cannot compare to anything in the world but this mix of  brightness, light oxidation and maturity is phenomenal. A very serious wine with tons of spices,  with a sexy cassonade/ cinnamon nose. I absolutely loved it. A true experience

1981 vintage. Just an awesome bottle of wine!
1981 vintage. Just an awesome bottle of wine!
1 person found it helpfulAug 30th, 2015
A little bit of barrel and maybe a few years too late.
A little bit of barrel and maybe a few years too late.
1 person found it helpfulMar 21st, 2014
1981 clearly stated on the label...
1981 clearly stated on the label...
1 person found it helpfulMar 7th, 2014
More oxidative than normal for this wine but still lovely. A classic white
More oxidative than normal for this wine but still lovely. A classic white
Mar 17th, 2016
Almonds, wax, vinegar, cold smoke and pear on the nose. Again a lot of smokey flavours on the palate. Very straight with fresh acidity & bone dry. Long finish. A very special wine which every wine freak should taste once in his life.
Almonds, wax, vinegar, cold smoke and pear on the nose. Again a lot of smokey flavours on the palate. Very straight with fresh acidity & bone dry. Long finish. A very special wine which every wine freak should taste once in his life.
Jan 16th, 2016
I love Lopez blanco to a fault, but this was special. Find it and drink it.
I love Lopez blanco to a fault, but this was special. Find it and drink it.
Nov 17th, 2015





