October 21, 2024
Tondonia Rioja Reserva 2012
With 146 years of winemaking excellence, Bodegas R. Lopez de Heredia stands as one of Rioja Alta's most esteemed estates. Founded by Don Rafael Lopez de Heredia y Landeta, the winery was among the first in the region, establishing a tradition of quality through vine ownership. The Tondonia vineyard, acquired in 1913, is renowned for its exceptional wines, contributing to the estate's legacy. With Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, Mazuelo, Viura, and Malvasia planted, some vines are over 100 years old, enriching the wines' complexity. Notably, Lopez de Heredia continues to produce wine using its own cooperage and cellars, maintaining traditional craftsmanship and achieving exceptional ageing.
Traditional vs Modern Rioja:
Lopez de Heredia stands as a revered icon in the fine wine world, admired globally for its steadfast dedication to tradition. Luis Gutierrez of The Wine Advocate fittingly calls them "the most traditional among Rioja traditionalists" For those curious about the distinction between Traditional and Modern Rioja, it largely comes down to the approach in both the vineyard and the winery. Traditional Rioja leans heavily on American oak barrels, creating a distinct flavour profile, while Modern Rioja favours French oak barrels, resulting in notable differences in the wine's character.
Tondonia is always a late release wine with the 2012 now being the latest on offer. The R. Lopez de Heredia Tondonia 2012 is a remarkable vintage, born from a notably dry year leading to a reduced harvest. After spending 6 years in the barrel, 2012 is a classic Tondonia style—structured, nuanced, and deserving of patience to fully appreciate its depth.
We are huge fans of this style of Rioja and Neal Maritn once wrote "I have adored, indeed occasionally worshipped, the wines of Lopez de Heredia for many years" and we couldn't agree more.
With our special offer of €37.50 all in per bottle, we think it's an absolute steal and advise stocking up for some autumn drinking pleasure.
R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva 2012
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 the 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. 250,000 bottles produced.
95 Points | Tim Atkin MW
Viña Tondonia can seem austere in its (comparative) youth, especially when compared with sweeter Bosconia, but this is a wine that will reward patience. Picked earlier to assuage the effects of a warmer site, this blend of Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 5% each of Graciano and Mazuelo is structured and focused, with redcurrant, forest floor and green herb notes. Give it time. 2025-32