| 97 Points: “This is as complex and savory as the rest of the Viña Tondonia wines, but also shows a tad more depth, with a hint of black plum and blue fruit on top of the orange rind, iron, tobacco and earthy spices. Expect some cedar and truffle to develop in the future. Juicy, zesty and tight, with a dusty tannins and bright berry fruit on the medium-to full-bodied palate. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling (June 2022)
96 Points: “The 2010 Viña Tondonia Reserva has all I expect from a Reserva from Tondonia, complexity, elegance and evolution, a developed nose with notes of forest floor and wild berries, herbs and flowers, a touch of iodine, brick dust and
very fine, polished tannins. It has the seriousness and elegance of Tondonia. This is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho (they use the masculine form of the name of the grape) and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo that fermented in the ancient oak vats from when the winery was created 144 years ago and matured in well-seasoned, American oak barrels for six years. It has 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.4 and 6.6 grams of acidity. 260,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2017. Drink 2022-2034” – Luis Gutierrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (July 2022)
96 Points: “The 2010 Viña Tondonia Reserva may be the most impressive release I have
yet to taste of this classic release from R. López de Heredia. It is always one of the best valued wines from anywhere in the world, and there is no exception in this vintage. The wine starts off with gorgeous aromas of dried cherries and plums which are laced with spices, leather, vanilla, cigar box, dried florals, wild herbs and orange zest nuances that all come together and emerge from the glass. This palate is medium-full and structured with beautifully polished tannins that give it a sense
of elegance. It displays excellent overall balance with gorgeous fruit framed by lovely touch of acidity that provides a sense of freshness through the finish. This is already fantastic, however it should only continue to evolve over the next decade. Drink: 2022-2036.” – J. D'Angelo, Editor, International Wine Report (August 2022)
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Vibrant red leading slightly towards amber. Light fresh texture with notes of vanilla, red cherry and dried berry aromas. Rich, plush, very dry, smooth and developed yet still fresh, with firm tannins, good balance and great length. Blend: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
FROM THE WINERY
For 145 years, four generations of the López de Heredia family have devoted themselves to producing exceptional and unique wines. Masterpieces which have achieved that which the founder
of the company, Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, defined in the late nineteenth century as the "Supreme Rioja".
Vineyard care, a scrupulous selection of grapes, ageing in oak barrels in the heart of deep underground galleries, and the later ageing in bottles, all contribute to making these illustrious wines with their exceptional bouquet.
Not a single grape from other wine regions has ever been used to make any of our wines; not even when the Consejo Regulador (Regulating Body) of the DOC Rioja once permitted grapes from other regions to be used under certain terms and circumstances. This bodega has never made use of any other grapes or wines since it was founded in 1877; a fact acknowledged by the Regulating Body in the form of a "Diploma de Garantía" (Diploma of Guarantee) awarded solely to López de Heredia/Viña Tondonia, S. A. This diploma is proudly displayed on the back label of all our bottles.
Grapes from Viña Tondonia are always used in making our highest quality wines, and naturally, with truly exceptional vintages, becoming "Gran Reservas" if the vintage is truly exceptional - as was the case in 1976, 1973, 1970, 1968, 1964, 1961 and 1954. The first "Reserva" was bottled by the founder as long ago as 1890. A few bottles of this are still kept in the family wine museum.
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