Introduction:
The 2004 Viña Tondonia Rioja Blanco Gran Reserva from López de Heredia is one of the most legendary and singular white wines produced anywhere in the world. Released only in exceptional vintages and after extraordinarily long aging, this wine stands as a monument to traditional Rioja winemaking, patience, and longevity. It is profound, cerebral, and unmistakably timeless.

Terrior:
Viña Tondonia lies in the Rioja Alta near Haro, bordering the Ebro River. The vineyard’s alluvial soils—limestone, clay, and gravel—combined with a continental climate moderated by Atlantic influence, preserve acidity and structure even after decades of aging. These conditions are essential for producing a white wine capable of evolving gracefully over generations.

Appearance:
Deep amber-gold with copper highlights, brilliantly clear and fully evolved, visually signaling extensive oxidative aging and maturity.

Nose:
Exceptionally complex and expansive, revealing aromas of dried apple, quince paste, baked pear, and citrus peel layered with beeswax, chamomile, toasted almond, vanilla pod, lanolin, curry spice, and antique wood. Subtle sherry-like oxidative notes, mushroom, and saline accents add profound depth.

Palate:
Full-bodied, structured, and remarkably alive, the palate is driven by vibrant acidity that balances its richness. Flavors of dried stone fruit, hazelnut, lemon oil, savory spice, and umami unfold slowly and continuously. The texture is waxy and layered, with oak fully integrated after decades of maturation.

Finish:
Extraordinarily long and resonant, finishing with lingering notes of citrus oil, nutty oxidation, saline minerality, and gentle spice that echo for minutes.

Food Pairings:

• Meat: Roast capon, veal with cream sauce, pork with mushrooms

• Vegetarian: Wild mushroom risotto, aged cheese soufflé, truffle-infused dishes

• Charcuterie Board: Aged Manchego, Comté-style cheeses, marcona almonds

Overall Impression:
This 2004 Viña Tondonia Blanco Gran Reserva is a once-in-a-generation white wine that synthesizes terroir, extended oxidative aging, and vibrant acidity into an experience of extraordinary depth and harmony. Powerful yet precise, it pairs magnificently with rich poultry, mushrooms, and aged cheeses, standing as a global benchmark for long-lived, traditionally made white wine.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 12.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable, traditional viticulture
Producer Name: López de Heredia
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Rioja Alta, Rioja
Grape Varietals: Viura (Macabeo), Malvasía, Garnacha Blanca
Vintage: 2004
Wine Style: Dry, traditionally aged, full-bodied white wine
Winemaking Techniques: Native yeast fermentation, extremely extended aging in neutral American oak barrels, long oxidative maturation, decades of bottle aging prior to release
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork

Sources:

• Bodega López de Heredia official producer technical sheets and historical release notes
• Rioja DOCa traditional white wine aging and classification documentation