Viña Tondonia 1996 Reserva

Wine: Viña Tondonia 1996 Reserva

Winery: R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 10% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: 12.5%

Winemaking
Hand-harvested. Fermentation took place in legacy 60-hectoliter oak vats without temperature control. The wine was aged for five and a half years in seasoned 225-liter American oak barrels, with two manual rackings performed annually. Clarified with fresh egg whites and bottled without filtration.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Ruby-red of medium body; luminous, with orange and amber highlights. It features a very clear, brick-colored rim.

Nose: Good intensity, broad, mature, and deeply classical, displaying the unmistakable hallmark of the estate (barnyard, leather, ripe red fruit, creamy undertones, and wine-soaked staves) over a toasted and vanilla backdrop. While slightly less powerful and deep than the Viña Bosconia 1996, it is unmistakably recognizable. A 100% Tondonia profile in peak condition: finesse and freshness in equal measure.

 

Palate: Elegant, fresh, and polished. The tannins are pure silk—creamy, with notes of vanilla and an abundance of red fruit in its prime. Well-rounded and currently in an optimal drinking window. Ready to enjoy now. It possesses a notable citrus acidity and a long finish replete with spicy details. Elegance and harmony personified.

 

Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Score: 91

Dedication

We would like to dedicate the tasting of this wine to Don Pedro López de Heredia. His lifelong commitment and tireless work have ensured that his family's wines remains the ultimate benchmark for Rioja. Our warmest regards and deepest respect to the family.