R. Lopez de Heredia - HALF BOTTLES "Vina Tondonia" Reserva Rioja Tinto 375ml 2011 (13% ABV)

libray release from legendary Lopez!

López de Heredia has a well-earned reputation as the stalwart traditionalist of Rioja, along the lines of Mascarello in Barolo, Mayacamas in Napa Valley, or de Montille in Burgundy. What is arguably lost in all the attention paid to traditional winemaking, wine ageing and craft, is that López de Heredia pioneered the single vineyard wine in Rioja, a tradition they still honor with each of their wines. These wines hail from single vineyards -- well-sited, glorious single vineyards.

Don Rafael López de Heredia acquired the Tondonia vineyard from a group of clergy in 1913. Situated on the right bank of the river Ebro, in Rioja Alta, it stretches over 247 acres; the soil is alluvial clay with a high proportion of limestone. 

Viña Tondonia Reserva is always the most claret-like, with a sense of reserve and structure that really allows it to shine equally well upon release at table, or after some time in the cellar.

2011 vintage: 95 pts James Suckling, 94 pts Wine Advocate

complex, mature, balsamic, dried black cherry, burnt orange peel, vanilla bean, tobacco, cassis, iron, bright acidity, dusty tannins, lighter end of medium bodied, long finish 

region: Rioja, Spain

varietal: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 10% Graciano/Mazuelo

style: ageworthy red

farming/cellar: organic & biodynamic, matured for almost 6 years in very old American oak barrels, racked twice a year and fined with fresh egg whites. aged in bottle for another several years in perfect conditions of constant temperature (57ºF / 14ºC) and humidity (75-80%)

pairing: