Viña Tondonia Rosado 1995

Wine: Viña Tondonia Rosado 1995

Winery: R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: Tempranillo, Garnacho (Grenache), Viura
ABV: 12% 

Winemaking
The wine spent 4 years in American oak barrels, undergoing two manual rackings per year. Clarified with fresh egg whites and bottled without filtration. Limited production of 20,000 bottles. 

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: This is the most intensely colored rosé of all vintages since it ceased to be a "5th Year" bottling. It displays an orange-reddish hue with copper and amber highlights, reminiscent of an aged Rivesaltes Ambré (of the Hors d'âge style). It shows a pronounced sense of viscosity with a profusion of permanent legs.

 

Nose: Intense and expressive, showing a most pleasing classical Riojan aging profile. Notes of "barnyard" (reductive character) are joined by dried fruits (apricots, almonds) and a perfumed backdrop of wine-soaked wood, petals, withered flowers, and fruit preserves. Subtle hints of butterscotch, candied fruit, and orange peel emerge. 

 

Palate: Broad and fresh, savory, with a strong traditional aging expression (vanilla, candied fruit, sweet citrus) that has polished the ensemble. Well-rounded and delicate, showing great harmony and balance. This vintage stands out for its overflowing concentration of very ripe fruit and a beautiful hint of sweetness. The whole is supported by a commendable acidity that many of the winery’s Reservas would envy. An atypical and unique rosé of enormous complexity that demonstrates the extraordinary longevity of this estate’s wines. It shows no signs of fatigue whatsoever and possesses potential for further cellaring. My favorite Tondonia Rosado since they began bottling by vintage. One hopes they resume this production as soon as possible. 

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Score: 90

Tasting Notes (2007-03-11)

 

Appearance: Dark amber with orange and reddish highlights and an iodized rim.

 

Nose: Clean on the nose (reminiscent of a Rivesaltes Ambré), showing medium intensity. It is marked by its aging (old wood, cured leather, lacquer) and spices, with a soft note of orange peel. With further aeration, it opens up to honeyed tones, quince, toffee, and dried fruits (hazelnut, almond, nougat).

 

Palate: Broad and warm, yet smooth and dry with excellent acidity. It features savory bitter notes of orange marmalade and vanilla. The tannins show a slightly woody character; very long and original.

 

Personal Score: 87