Winery: R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
ABV: 12%
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
ABV: 12%
Winemaking
The wine spent 6 months in wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation. It was then aged for 10 years in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels, crafted by the winery’s own cooperage. Two manual rackings were performed annually. Clarified with fresh egg whites and bottled directly from the cask without filtration. At the time of bottling, a wax capsule was applied to the neck, later replaced by a lead capsule during labeling. It rested for a minimum of 44 months in the bottle prior to its commercial release.
The wine spent 6 months in wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation. It was then aged for 10 years in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels, crafted by the winery’s own cooperage. Two manual rackings were performed annually. Clarified with fresh egg whites and bottled directly from the cask without filtration. At the time of bottling, a wax capsule was applied to the neck, later replaced by a lead capsule during labeling. It rested for a minimum of 44 months in the bottle prior to its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-ruby of medium depth; slightly cloudy with a small amount of
sediment at the base. It displays orange highlights and medium,
persistent legs, with a sense of viscosity that is unusual for the
estate's typical profile.
Nose:
Open and explosive. Aromas of red fruit in liqueur, sour cherry,
candied fruit, orange compote, rose petals, and wet earth (clay) merge
with black truffle and aromatic coffee. This is followed by a
characteristic layer of "barnyard," horsehair, leaf litter, humus, and
fresh chestnuts, with balsamic notes, aromatic herbs (sage), vanilla,
turmeric, and seasoned staves. It continues to expand, gaining purity
and depth; the fruit exudes fragrance—macerated plums—and remarkable
youth. At nearly 50 years old, it remains incredibly vibrant.
Palate:
Rounded and solid, showing real "muscle" and great structure without
losing the freshness and elegance that define the winery. It is built
upon a foundation of reduced red fruit—very ripe and creamy, almost
liqueur-like—which provides vigor and a sharp, nervous acidity. The
tannins are smooth yet firm and solid, creating a subtle and highly
agile ensemble. The mouthfeel is fresh and youthful, fruity, savory, and
exceptionally long. It is so pleasurable that it is almost difficult to
fully grasp its complexity before the next sip.
Personal Score: 94
Tasting Group Score: 96
Tasting Group Score: 96
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