Vina Tondonia Red Rioja Reserva Bodega Lopez Heredia – 2012

This iconic 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, 20% Garnacha, and 5% each of Graciano and Mazuelo,  which is fermented in large old oak casks before being matured for 6 years in aged American oak barrels. It then spent a further  5 years 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. It has 13% alcohol.

“The 2012 Viña Tondonia Reserva comes from a very dry year, with 25% less rain than the average (at the time), resulting in lower yields of very healthy grapes that delivered wines with nice balance between alcohol and polyphenols, making it very apt for the aging in barrel. It had a slightly longer élevage in barrel, six years. The wine is aromatic with a developed profile, spicy and tertiary (forest floor, a touch of brick dust and iodine), complex and nuanced. The palate is full and round, with polished tannins and a long, dry finish. It has a textbook Tondonia nose and profile.” 95/100pts The Wine Advocate