Wine: Viña Tondonia 2002 ReservaWinery: R. López de Heredia - Viña Tondonia (Haro, Rioja Alta)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 10% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 10% Mazuelo and Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking:
All grapes are sourced from estate vineyards. Harvest was carried out entirely by hand between October 7th and 26th. The wine rested for 6 months in large 60-hectoliter oak vats without temperature control for fermentation and stabilization. It matured for six years in used American oak barrels (225L) crafted in the winery’s own cooperage, with two manual barrel-to-barrel rackings performed each year. Traditionally fined with fresh egg whites and bottled unfiltered. Limited production of 250,000 bottles. Aged for a minimum of 4 years in the historic Haro cellars before release.
All grapes are sourced from estate vineyards. Harvest was carried out entirely by hand between October 7th and 26th. The wine rested for 6 months in large 60-hectoliter oak vats without temperature control for fermentation and stabilization. It matured for six years in used American oak barrels (225L) crafted in the winery’s own cooperage, with two manual barrel-to-barrel rackings performed each year. Traditionally fined with fresh egg whites and bottled unfiltered. Limited production of 250,000 bottles. Aged for a minimum of 4 years in the historic Haro cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Ruby-red with medium depth; brilliant and pristine, with no signs of
sediment. Refulgent with vibrant pomegranate and copper reflections.
Narrow orange rim, sharply defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
High intensity and remarkably expressive. It is magnificently framed by
noble woods (vanilla, clove), tung oil, and damp oak staves, followed
by reduced red fruit, sour cherries, orange peel, and fine saddlery. A
powerful spicy note anchors the background. It is extremely classic and
Riojan to the core—as recognizable as it is original. In peak form and
perfectly defined, it remains steadfast in the glass. One of the finest
aromatics of this vintage.
Palate:
It appears light, almost delicate on the entry, but gains stature with a
sharp, cutting acidity. Long, energetic, and fibrous, with a "crunchy"
texture and a spicy core of intense freshness. While the balance is
still evolving (with slightly rugose tannins), its potential is already
evident.
Commentary:
It is remarkable that a wine of this quality can be found for its price point. It is far from what it will eventually become with further aging. Producing such an interesting red in a disastrous year like 2002 requires immense expertise. The Tondonia 2001 and 2002 represent the "heads and tails" of the same philosophy, faithfully reflecting the contingencies of their respective vintages.
It is remarkable that a wine of this quality can be found for its price point. It is far from what it will eventually become with further aging. Producing such an interesting red in a disastrous year like 2002 requires immense expertise. The Tondonia 2001 and 2002 represent the "heads and tails" of the same philosophy, faithfully reflecting the contingencies of their respective vintages.
Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
No comments:
Post a Comment