Wine: Viña Tondonia 1985 Gran ReservaWinery: R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
ABV: 12.5%
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking
The wine spent 6 months in wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation. It was then aged for 8 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. Sealed with a special wax capsule to ensure optimal bottle evolution and protect against contamination. Limited production of 25,000 bottles. 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 8 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. Sealed with a special wax capsule to ensure optimal bottle evolution and protect against contamination. Limited production of 25,000 bottles. It rested for a minimum of 44 months in the bottle prior to its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Reddish-ruby of medium depth; remarkably stable color, brilliant and limpid with orange highlights.
Nose:
Exceptional integrity and an almost "violent" expressiveness. A torrent
of shaded forest floor, undergrowth, cedar, damp earth, ozone, and
"barnyard" (noble reduction) emerges, followed by spices in a mortar and
red fruit in liqueur (sloes, redcurrants, macerated plums). A spicy
background hint of star anise completes the profile. A great red of
"twilight" spirit and autumnal soul. It continues to expand with
aeration, revealing notes of pipe tobacco, withered flowers, aromatic
herbs, sage, charcoal, and creamy undertones.
Palate: Absolute balance and immense poise;
remarkably vigorous and alive. A Tondonia in a state of
grace—exceedingly elegant and expressive, filled with red fruit in
liqueur and mature tannins that feel like pure silk. It coats the mouth
and makes the palate water with an amplitude and a "will to live" that
feels almost youthful, lingering for hours. Could this be the best Rioja
of the 1980s? We believe so.
Personal Score: 96
Tasting Group Score: 96
Tasting Group Score: 96
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