Viña Tondonia 1970 Gran Reserva

Wine: Viña Tondonia 1970 Gran Reserva

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

Winemaking

The wine remained for 6 months in large wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before racking. It matured for 10 years in old 225-liter American oak barrels crafted by the winery's own cooperage. The wine underwent two manual rackings per year. Fined with fresh egg whites. Bottled directly from the barrel without filtration. Initially sealed with a wax capsule, which was replaced by a lead capsule upon labeling. It rested for a minimum of 44 months in the bottle prior to its commercial release. 

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Ruby color with medium body; opaque, with a certain sense of turbidity despite having no sediment at the base of the bottle. Subdued brilliance. (Note: Original cork and wax seal; the cork was semi-solid and required a prong extractor and extreme care for removal).

 

Nose: Medium intensity, devoid of initial artifice and strongly marked by reductive notes. Old leather and wine-soaked oak predominate, contributing nuances of cabinetry and lacquer. It requires air to open up. Toasted, with a very classical profile and the unmistakable house hallmark: cherries in liqueur, wilted flowers, and creamy hints.

 

Palate: Dominated by a strong acidity and a spicy sensation that underpins all manner of smoky spices and a high-class, subtle vegetal backdrop. Savory, light, round, and elegant, yet powerful in its own style. It becomes more defined and precise with every passing hour. A Tondonia with a less prominent oak influence than other vintages from the same period.

 

Commentary

The 1970 Gran Reserva is a monumental example of the López de Heredia philosophy. Despite the delicate state of the cork, the wine inside reveals the timeless soul of Haro: a vibrant, vertical red that prioritizes precision and elegance over raw power. It is a "big, very big" Tondonia that showcases a remarkable balance between its long oxidative aging and its crystalline acidic core. A legendary Rioja in a state of absolute grace. 

 

Personal Score: 95
Tasting Group Average: 96

 Primera etiqueta de la bodega R. López de Heredia (1883).