Viña Tondonia 1987 Reserva

Wine: Viña Tondonia 1987 Reserva
Winery: R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 15% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking

The wine spent 6 months in old 60-hectoliter oak vats without temperature control until the completion of malolactic fermentation. It underwent six years of aging in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels, with two rackings (trasiegas) per year. Fined with fresh egg whites and bottled without filtration. A minimum of 6 years of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars was completed prior to release.

 

Tasting Notes
 

Appearance: Medium-bodied ruby; slightly darker than other vintages from the same period. It shows reddish and orange highlights—deeply-hued and somewhat lackluster, with grainy suspended particles and a light sediment at the base. The rim is broad and tawny (tile-red), contrasting sharply with the core.

 

Nose: Medium intensity with a marked initial sensation of wine-soaked oak, "Zara" style hard licorice, black tea, burnt coffee, liqueur-like notes, and ground spices. It feels somewhat shy and balsamic, not fully unfurling yet maintaining its composure with great dignity. While its peak may have already passed, it retains many virtues and shows no defects. It evolves slowly, eventually offering attractive glimpses of very ripe red fruits, withered flowers, and wild herbaceous notes.

 

Palate: It displays immense maturity; fused, creamy, very smooth, and fully integrated. It possesses all the virtues of an aged Tondonia, despite being somewhat lean on acidity. Sweet spices, vanilla, and candied fruit confections emerge with that very pleasant hint of sweetness. The tannins are imperceptible—perfectly round. It is an amiable drinker at this stage, provided one doesn't demand much more from it. It would be best not to wait any longer before it enters the "ICU" of old wines.

 

Personal Score: 86
Tasting Group Score: 88