Lopez de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva 2011

Aromas of dried cherry, strawberry, and redcurrant mingle with notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and leather, lifted by hints of spice and vanilla. On the palate it is graceful and savoury, showing evolved red fruit alongside earthy tones, dried herbs, and a touch of balsamic. Its deep garnet colour with a brick-orange rim signals maturity, while the finish is long, silky, and complex, balancing freshness with savoury depth.

Founded in 1877, López de Heredia is one of Rioja’s most historic bodegas, renowned for its steadfast commitment to long ageing in both barrel and bottle. Viña Tondonia, their flagship vineyard in Rioja Alta, produces wines of elegance and longevity, reflecting both terroir and tradition. The 2011 Reserva, aged around six years in oak before release, is a textbook expression of classical Rioja — mature, complex, and refined, offering a taste of the estate’s old-world craftsmanship.

"There is a seriousness about this Tondonia that I appreciate, though frankly, I would cellar for another decade." - 94 Pts, Neal Martin, Vinous.com