Viña Tondonia 1989 Blanco Reserva

Wine: Viña Tondonia 1989 Blanco Reserva

Winery: R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 90% Viura, 10% Malvasía
ABV: 12%

Winemaking
Fermentation took place in traditional 60-hectoliter oak vats without temperature control. The wine was aged for 6 years in 225-liter American oak barrels, with two manual rackings performed annually. Clarified with fresh egg whites and bottled directly from the cask without filtration. It rested for a minimum of 9 years in the winery’s subterranean cellars (calados) prior to its commercial release. Limited production of 16,800 bottles.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Golden-yellow, clean and luminous, with orange and copper highlights and a pronounced sense of viscosity.

 

Nose: Initially showing medium intensity with reductive notes of dried fruits, dried orange peel, beeswax, wine-soaked staves, incense, and fine cabinetry. It displays nuances of an old solera and a subtle rancio hint that might initially suggest the onset of decline—but quite the opposite. As it breathes, the wine cleans up and reveals itself as increasingly impeccable and radiant, showing great expressive capacity. Notes of candied quince emerge, alongside dried apricots, honey, baked apple, stone fruit (Greengage plums), and a creamy vanilla backdrop.

 

Palate: Broad, powerful, concentrated, and extraordinarily savory. Elegant bitters are joined by slightly woody tannins, indicating that it can still be cellared for several more years. It possesses significant growth potential and is nearing its peak. It delivers everything expected of a mature white Tondonia: balance, vigor, raisined fruit, creamy toasted notes, and the persistent finish of a great wine. Highly enjoyable, it stands remarkably close to López de Heredia’s Gran Reserva whites at a fraction of the price.

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Score: 90