LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA
Why Buy: One of the great things about R. López de Heredia is that their superlative Riojas are ready to go from the jump, and this 96-pointer from 2012 (a Reserva with — count ’em — 12 years of aging to its name) is the latest proof of just what makes R. López de Heredia so revered by collectors, and so definitive of grand, old-school Rioja. It also happens to be built on estate-bottled fruit, sourced from their prized, old-vine, organically-farmed vineyards whose alluvial, limestone-dense soils beggar comparison to the plots of Bordeaux. The same foundational pillar the estate has leaned upon for 150 years. If it ain't broke, then you most definitely don’t try to fix it.
What They're Saying: "Beautiful," James Suckling wrote, in his 96-point rave of a review. A "juicy and structured" wine, he went on, "with sensational balance, aged savoriness and brightness that are typical of Tondonia reds." Critical praise is nothing new to this estate, with Wine Spectator's Thomas Matthew, long a fan, writing that "the wines of R. López de Heredia define traditional Rioja and...set the standards by which the region's modern reds must be judged."
Our Tasting Notes: The aromatics are deep, refined, mature: dried cherries, leather, and subtle hints of vanilla — a testament to its decade-long slumber in American oak. The fruit (think: ripe strawberries and plums) is still vibrant, but it's the savory elements that stand out most. Notes of tobacco, forest floor, and a whisper of balsamic add crucial layers of complexity, and give you a sense of something unfolding as you go. The tannins, once formidable, have mellowed into a silky embrace, while the acidity keeps everything lively and fresh.
The Specs: A blend, predominantly, of Tempranillo, it also includes, in descending order of influence, Garnacho, Graciano, and Mazuelo. After fermentation in those century-old oak vats, the wine spent six years in 225-liter American oak barrels, handmade on site. The wine then rested for four more years in bottle before release. This labor-intensive process remains largely unchanged since the winery's inception — a reminder that great wine is made not just in the vineyard, but also through patient, meticulous cellar work.
The Story: R. López de Heredia's story is virtually inseparable from the history of Rioja itself. Founded in 1877 by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, the winery was one of the first to shape what we now know as Rioja wine. Don Rafael, inspired by Bordeaux's winemaking techniques, set out to create wines that could rival the best of France. The Tondonia vineyard, from which this wine hails, was acquired in 1913 and quickly became the jewel in the estate's crown. Its unique terroir — a gentle slope of land overlooking the Ebro River — provides the perfect conditions for growing exceptional Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo grapes. Though a great many Rioja producers have modernized, this estate stubbornly (and brilliantly) adheres to methods established over a century ago. Fermentation still occurs in massive oak vats, some over 140 years old. The wines then age in American oak barrels, handcrafted in the estate's own cooperage.
Fun Fact: Talk about sticklers for tradition: the label design for Viña Tondonia hasn't changed since its introduction in the early 20th century, and the winery still uses the same wooden molds to create the wire netting that wraps around each bottle — a practice that dates back to the 1890s, when it was used to prevent counterfeiting.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured – your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2024). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CT, KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, October 18th, 2024.