López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva Rioja, Spain Pre-Arrival 2012
For 142 years, four generations of the López de Heredia family have devoted themselves to producing exceptional and unique wines. They are masterpieces that the founder of the company, Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, defined in the late nineteenth century as "Supreme Rioja." Vineyard care, scrupulous grape selection, extended aging in oak barrels and in bottles all contribute to making these illustrious wines with their exceptional bouquet.*
Lopéz de Heredia and its vineyards are located in Rioja Alta; the Tondonia vineyard sits just outside the town of Haro in a shell-like depression next to the River Ebro, which serves as a border with Rioja Alavesa. The soil is alluvial clay with a high proportion of limestone. The vineyard covers a total area of 170 hectares and produces an average annual yield of some 800,000 kg of grapes, the best of which are used in the making of reserve wines. In exceptional years, the very best fruit is made into grand reserve wines.*
Check out the press!
96 points, James Suckling:
"Savory berries, plums, iron, minerals, tobacco, ink, and blood oranges. Very bright, juicy and structured, with sensational balance, aged savoriness and brightness that are typical of Tondonia reds. Beautiful now."
"Savory berries, plums, iron, minerals, tobacco, ink, and blood oranges. Very bright, juicy and structured, with sensational balance, aged savoriness and brightness that are typical of Tondonia reds. Beautiful now."
95 points, Vinous:
"The 2012 Viña Tondonia is a blend of tempranillo, garnacha, mazuelo, and graciano cultivated on the meander of the Ebro River in Rioja Alta. This garnet wine reveals aromas of ash and plum marmalade, with a faintly herbal core and hints of oaky cedar. Dry and lean, the fairly chalky texture lingers long, concluding with a compact, flavorful, and lasting finish. The 2012 is a beautiful old-school Rioja."
95 points, Wine Advocate:
"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 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."
94 points, Decanter:
"After six years in barrel (produced at López de Heredia's own cooperage) and three in bottle prior to release this is all you can expect from a classical Viña Tondonia with its focused intensity and muscular yet super elegant tannins. Assertive but also super silky, with juicy fruit gliding through the palate while being pleasantly pulled back by an energetic, smoky verve. Broody while at the same time mature - another accomplished vintage of a true classic."
"After six years in barrel (produced at López de Heredia's own cooperage) and three in bottle prior to release this is all you can expect from a classical Viña Tondonia with its focused intensity and muscular yet super elegant tannins. Assertive but also super silky, with juicy fruit gliding through the palate while being pleasantly pulled back by an energetic, smoky verve. Broody while at the same time mature - another accomplished vintage of a true classic."
Order the 2012 López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva between now and Monday, January 26th, at 4 PM. Orders will be ready for pickup on Thursday, January 29th, after 4 PM.
Cheers!
ABV: 13%
*from winery notes
*from winery notes
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