‘One of the truly great Spanish wines, Viña Tondonia Reserva remains a must-have in the cellars of all dedicated enthusiasts.’ – Decanter
The 2013 was a remarkable release for Viña Tondonia Reserva, receiving the highest Vinous score in the history of the cuvée. Elevated to a new level in this vintage and released at its prime, what more could one want for R750 per bottle?
Viña Tondonia is produced by Rioja royalty López de Heredia, and the 2013 is beautifully aromatic. It shows finely delineated layers from primary to tertiary notes, a strong line of savoury salinity, and an energetic, chalky finish. Seamless and ethereal with a long life ahead, it’s impossible to resist.
The wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha, aged for 6 years in barrel and another 6 years in bottle prior to release. This unique approach allows you to taste structured, concentrated wines that have been aged to perfection.
Currently run by 4th generation María José and Mercedes López de Heredia, the bodega has used the same traditional practices since its inception in 1877 and continuously produces some of the best and most sought-after Spanish wines.
Viña Tondonia Reserva not only offers an amazing tasting experience, but an opportunity to own a piece of Rioja’s winemaking heritage.
Tasting Notes:
López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva 2013
‘The 2013 Reserva Viña Tondonia is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano and Mazuelo, grown in the calcareous soils of the Tondonia meander in Rioja Alta. Aged extensively in American oak, it offers restrained black fruit, wild herbs, balsamic hints and sweet spices with gentle cedar and vanilla notes. Medium-bodied with chalky grip and a layered, tertiary finish, this is a benchmark classic—refined, enduring and unmistakably Tondonia.’ – Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, 97/100
‘Patrician is the word that springs to mind when you taste a Viña Tondonia red. Even in one of the worst Rioja vintages of the last 20 years, the quality of the terroir and Mercedes López de Heredia’s winemaking shine through. A wine that often benefits from decanting, this is a seamless cuvée of Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 5% each of Mazuelo and Graciano, with impressive focus and freshness, savoury, sinewy tannins and a red-fruited, earthy palate that flirts between sweetness and sourness. Gloriously unique.’ – Tim Atkin MW, 96/100
