Viña Tondonia 1970 Blanco Gran Reserva

Wine: Viña Tondonia 1970 Blanco Gran Reserva

Winery: R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Viura, 15% Malvasía
ABV: 12.3%

Winemaking
The wine spent 6 months in wooden vats before undergoing 8 years of aging in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels, crafted by the winery’s own cooperage. A total of 15 manual rackings were performed. Clarified with fresh egg whites and bottled directly from the cask in October 1978, alongside the 1968 vintage. Unfiltered. Sealed with a special wax capsule to ensure optimal bottle evolution and protection against contamination. Limited production of 12,000 bottles. It rested for a minimum of 44 months in the bottle prior to its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Golden-yellow and unctuous, with amber highlights. It appears considerably darker and shows a greater sense of age than its most analogous counterpart, the 1968 Gran Reserva.

 

Nose: Good intensity, dominated by a fine reduction that brings forth notes of beeswax, lanolin, honey, withered flowers, toasted bread, and dried apricots. As it opens, it softens, revealing a gentle syrupy note, peach pulp, baked apple, orange zest, and a suggestive backdrop of butter cookies.

 

Palate: The palate offers a stark contrast to the aromatics. Medium-bodied and fresh, it possesses less concentration and power than anticipated. Everything is in its place—well-rounded, with sufficient acidity and creamy toasted notes. While it provides immense drinking pleasure, there is a palpable sense that it has entered the early stages of its decline. One should not be hesitant: it is best enjoyed now rather than cellared further.

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Score: 93