Vina Tondonia Red Rioja Reserva Bodega Lopez Heredia – 2008

This classic Rioja  comes from a gravel-stoned single vineyard on the northern bank of the Rio Ebro in Rioja Alta. The vines average around 50 years old. The wine is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, and 5% each of Graciano and Mazuel,  which is fermented in large old oak casks before being matured for 6 years in aged American oak barrels. It then spends a further  4 years minimum in bottle before being released for sale. This is the classic way Rioja used to be made, and consumed when mature and ready to drink.

“The nose of the 2008 Viña Tondonia Reserva is very elegant, fresh and with an herbal twist, starting to show the complexity of the aged wines that are sometimes still too young when they are released 10+ years from the vintage! The palate is medium-bodied, with lightness and depth, very classical with extra freshness and all that is needed for a long development in bottle. This is the more Tondonia of the two vintages I tasted side by side. There are notes of maple syrup, smoke, licorice and crisp fruit. The palate is more austere, crunchy and reveals the chalkiness of the soils. There’s more definition and precision here.” 95/100pts Wine Advocate