Viña Tondonia 1991 Gran Reserva

Wine: Viña Tondonia 1991 Gran Reserva

Winery: R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
ABV: 12%
Winemaking

The wine spent 6 months in oak vats to complete malolactic fermentation. It was subsequently aged for 9 years in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels handcrafted by the winery's own coopers. The wine underwent two manual rackings (trasiegas) per year. Fined with fresh egg whites and bottled directly from the cask without filtration. It features a special wax seal to ensure optimal bottle evolution and protect it from contamination. Limited production of 15,000 bottles. It was aged in the bottle for a minimum of 44 months prior to release. 

 

Tasting Notes
 

Appearance: Clear, clean brownish-ruby with medium depth (capa); remarkably evolved considering its "young age" for a Tondonia (barely 20 years old). It displays amber and reddish highlights—bright, with an orange rim. 

 

Nose: Very powerful and spicy, with almost wild balsamic notes (bay leaf, geranium, ivy). Everything suggests it requires further years of cellaring to be fully tamed. Aromas of ripe red fruit emerge—somewhat concentrated and liqueur-like—alongside withered flowers, hints of aged leather, smoky nuances, wine-soaked staves, nuts, and an animalistic background of faisandage. Excellent overall impression, though still in its developmental stage. 

 

Palate: Pure energy on the palate—fresh and spirited (nervioso), with an abundance of citric red fruit and pronounced, lively yet sweet tannins. It features fine toasted notes, high-quality wood, a trace of cocoa, and enormous aging potential. A Tondonia that honors the winery's legacy: pure and classic. A guaranteed success that is enjoyable now but will undoubtedly improve. The most recent Gran Reserva vintages released are truly worthy of the history of López de Heredia. 

 

Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Score: 92