R. López de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend
La Rioja, Spain
Such is the way of life at López de Heredia, the 2010 Reserva was only released to the market last year, while most bodegas are currently extolling the virtues of their 2019s. Well, as a fan of Viña Tondonia, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the 2010, fabled year that it is, having enjoyed many a superb wine from other producers in this vintage.
Decanted for four hours, this wine is effusive from the glass, with a strikingly darker, richer aromatic profile compared to vintages such as 2007 and 2001, and more in line with 2008 - but better still. The oak provides a generous chocolate- and vanilla-laced bouquet that also has blackcurrants, blueberries, cranberries and kirsch, and bouquet garni. The palate is, predictably, very austere at this primal stage, but again has a richer, more rounded mouthfeel to prior vintages that is simply wonderful. Needless to say, this is a benchmark wine for the region and will age rather well, and what a wine it will be in decades to come.
Such is the way of life at López de Heredia, the 2010 Reserva was only released to the market last year, while most bodegas are currently extolling the virtues of their 2019s. Well, as a fan of Viña Tondonia, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the 2010, fabled year that it is, having enjoyed many a superb wine from other producers in this vintage.
Decanted for four hours, this wine is effusive from the glass, with a strikingly darker, richer aromatic profile compared to vintages such as 2007 and 2001, and more in line with 2008 - but better still. The oak provides a generous chocolate- and vanilla-laced bouquet that also has blackcurrants, blueberries, cranberries and kirsch, and bouquet garni. The palate is, predictably, very austere at this primal stage, but again has a richer, more rounded mouthfeel to prior vintages that is simply wonderful. Needless to say, this is a benchmark wine for the region and will age rather well, and what a wine it will be in decades to come.
Shows a seamless integration of dried fruit, earth, balance, elegance and tannin. Showing well at this point and continuing to evolve in the direction of dried berries and plum, tobacco, herbs, iron and fine tannin.
Shows a seamless integration of dried fruit, earth, balance, elegance and tannin. Showing well at this point and continuing to evolve in the direction of dried berries and plum, tobacco, herbs, iron and fine tannin.
Sep 6th, 20232010. Loads going on here. But needs time to open. Darker fruit than some rioja. Earthy.
2010. Loads going on here. But needs time to open. Darker fruit than some rioja. Earthy.
Nov 25th, 2022
This bottle is the best of many previous tastings of this vintage. Sumptuous! Coffee grounds, nougate, green herbs, mint, and well-integrated neutral oak; high acids, fine tannins, dark dried fruits, and a long salty finish.
This bottle is the best of many previous tastings of this vintage. Sumptuous! Coffee grounds, nougate, green herbs, mint, and well-integrated neutral oak; high acids, fine tannins, dark dried fruits, and a long salty finish.
Nov 12th, 2022
Very dusty and muted fruit. Def a bit disappointing as compared to other tondonia bottles. Good to drink with the typhoon going outside Tarragona hotel though
Very dusty and muted fruit. Def a bit disappointing as compared to other tondonia bottles. Good to drink with the typhoon going outside Tarragona hotel though
Sep 23rd, 2022Vina Tondonia Réserva 2010 is a captivating wine that embodies elegance and complexity. With its 13% alcohol content, it presents itself with a mesmerizing medium ruby hue, gracefully transitioning into garnet at the edges, which hints at its well-deserved age.
On the nose, this wine offers a delightful bouquet of ripe raspberries and cherries, their natural sweetness harmoniously intermingling with the captivating aromas of tobacco leaf, vanilla, spice, cedar, and subtle undertones of sun-dried tomato. Each inhalation reveals new layers, enticing the senses with its intricate aromatic profile.
Upon tasting, the Vina Tondonia Réserva 2010 showcases a medium body that elegantly caresses the palate. The wine's vibrant acidity adds a refreshing zing, invigorating the taste buds, while the sumptuous tannins provide a luscious, dry texture that is both refined and inviting.
This beautiful wine truly excels, delivering a symphony of flavors that dances across the palate. Its remarkable balance and structure make it a perfect companion for a wide range of culinary delights, enhancing the dining experience. With every sip, one's anticipation is rewarded, leaving a lingering desire for more.
In conclusion, the Vina Tondonia Réserva 2010 is an exceptional wine that captivates both the nose and the palate. Its meticulous craftsmanship and enticing flavors make it an excellent choice for any wine enthusiast. I wholeheartedly recommend savoring this wine alongside a delectable meal, as its sumptuousness is sure to elevate the dining experience. A truly remarkable wine deserving of a score of 96 out of 100.
Vina Tondonia Réserva 2010 is a captivating wine that embodies elegance and complexity. With its 13% alcohol content, it presents itself with a mesmerizing medium ruby hue, gracefully transitioning into garnet at the edges, which hints at its well-deserved age.
On the nose, this wine offers a delightful bouquet of ripe raspberries and cherries, their natural sweetness harmoniously intermingling with the captivating aromas of tobacco leaf, vanilla, spice, cedar, and subtle undertones of sun-dried tomato. Each inhalation reveals new layers, enticing the senses with its intricate aromatic profile.
Upon tasting, the Vina Tondonia Réserva 2010 showcases a medium body that elegantly caresses the palate. The wine's vibrant acidity adds a refreshing zing, invigorating the taste buds, while the sumptuous tannins provide a luscious, dry texture that is both refined and inviting.
This beautiful wine truly excels, delivering a symphony of flavors that dances across the palate. Its remarkable balance and structure make it a perfect companion for a wide range of culinary delights, enhancing the dining experience. With every sip, one's anticipation is rewarded, leaving a lingering desire for more.
In conclusion, the Vina Tondonia Réserva 2010 is an exceptional wine that captivates both the nose and the palate. Its meticulous craftsmanship and enticing flavors make it an excellent choice for any wine enthusiast. I wholeheartedly recommend savoring this wine alongside a delectable meal, as its sumptuousness is sure to elevate the dining experience. A truly remarkable wine deserving of a score of 96 out of 100.
Loved the color. Medium red getting lighter at rim. Even tempered consistent and lovely mix of ripe fruit and wood.
Loved the color. Medium red getting lighter at rim. Even tempered consistent and lovely mix of ripe fruit and wood.
Jun 26th, 2023
2010 is in such a lovely place right now. Such freshness and so fragrant (opened an hour before Xmas dinner): raspberries, red and black currant, bing cherry, geranium, anise seed, dill, potting soil, sandalwood, cocoa butter, cayenne pepper, cumin, iron. Paired with herb-crusted, slow roast pork butt, heirloom beans, turnips and chard (aka Christmas carnitas).
2010 is in such a lovely place right now. Such freshness and so fragrant (opened an hour before Xmas dinner): raspberries, red and black currant, bing cherry, geranium, anise seed, dill, potting soil, sandalwood, cocoa butter, cayenne pepper, cumin, iron. Paired with herb-crusted, slow roast pork butt, heirloom beans, turnips and chard (aka Christmas carnitas).
Dec 26th, 2022
Delicious nicely balanced Rioja! Two hour decant, high acidity, medium bodied and tannins. Showing violets, herbs, leather, pencil lead, coffee, dark berries, cherry, mint, and vanilla!
Merry Christmas to all of my Delectable peeps! 🎄
Delicious nicely balanced Rioja! Two hour decant, high acidity, medium bodied and tannins. Showing violets, herbs, leather, pencil lead, coffee, dark berries, cherry, mint, and vanilla!
Merry Christmas to all of my Delectable peeps! 🎄
Tondonia never disappoints. Fresh and vibrant, tart cherries, eucalyptus. Long finish that lingers for minutes.
Tondonia never disappoints. Fresh and vibrant, tart cherries, eucalyptus. Long finish that lingers for minutes.
Nov 18th, 2022