Wine: Viña Gravonia 2001
Winery: R. López de Heredia - Viña Tondonia (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Viura
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winery: R. López de Heredia - Viña Tondonia (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 100% Viura
ABV: 12.5% vol.
Winemaking:
Initial fermentation in wooden vats, where the wine settles and completes its processes before racking. It matures for 4 years in 225-liter American oak barrels, subjected to two manual rackings per year. Fined with fresh egg whites and bottled directly from the barrel without filtration. Limited production of 22,000 bottles. Minimum of 2 years of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars before release.
Initial fermentation in wooden vats, where the wine settles and completes its processes before racking. It matures for 4 years in 225-liter American oak barrels, subjected to two manual rackings per year. Fined with fresh egg whites and bottled directly from the barrel without filtration. Limited production of 22,000 bottles. Minimum of 2 years of bottle aging in the winery’s underground cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Intense yellow color; remarkably clean and brilliant. Golden and subtle
coppery reflections. Significant sense of viscosity with pronounced,
heavy tearing.
Nose:
Splendid and unbridled. It maintains the characteristic hallmarks of
wax, honey, and acacia, with a creamy, almost oak-driven nuance that
interweaves with a potent array of aromatic herbs, citrus, and infusions
(rock tea, chamomile stalks, ginger, lemongrass). Far from subtle, it
unfolds without restraint, showing immense concentration. In the
background, fleeting hints of hydrocarbons emerge, alongside sweet notes
of candied orange, biscotti, dried apricots, pastry, and vanilla.
Palate:
Somewhat broad and mature on the palate, featuring a high-quality
bitter note that plays against the tension between sweetness and
acidity. Savory and nuanced, it is less blunt than the nose but endowed
with a spark of energy seldom seen so clearly in other vintages. Fresh
and approachable, with a citric edge and a core of stone fruit. It
evolves continuously, becoming increasingly integrated, fine, and
detailed.
Commentary:
While often consumed "young," this wine benefits immensely from post-release cellaring. The 2001 vintage is currently reaching its stride and approaching a magnificent peak. At its price point, it may be considered the finest still wine produced in Spain—an indispensable luxury that allows for cellaring without financial strain. Possibly the finest Gravonia ever tasted.
While often consumed "young," this wine benefits immensely from post-release cellaring. The 2001 vintage is currently reaching its stride and approaching a magnificent peak. At its price point, it may be considered the finest still wine produced in Spain—an indispensable luxury that allows for cellaring without financial strain. Possibly the finest Gravonia ever tasted.
Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Average: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90
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