R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA, VIÑA TONDONIA & BOSCONIA RESERVA
RIOJA, SPAIN 2011
One of the great things about the iconic Lopez de Heredia is that their superlative Riojas are ready to go at the jump – no need to cellar them for a year or two or ten; the winemaker has done that work for you, aging these big, bold reds to the point that, when you ease back the cork and pour, you're struck anew by the remarkable grace and maturity in your glass.
To say nothing of the intensity, complexity, depth, and -- certainly not least -- the extraordinary elegance.
Today we've come with news of two beautifully mature Riojas from their portfolio: their 95-point Viña Tondonia Reserva 2011 (available in 375 ml, 750 ml, and 1.5 L formats) and their 95-point Viña Bosconia Reserva 2011.
As always, Lopez de Heredia uses only estate-bottled fruit, sourced from their prized, old-vine, organically-farmed vineyards – the same approach they have taken for nearly 150 years. The alluvial, limestone-dense soil bears striking comparison to the great Bordeaux plots of France, and gives these wines much of their depth, structure, character, and elegance.
The estate has long been known for producing brawny wines that go on and on, but our tastings also revealed a softer side of Lopez de Heredia. Along with size and length, what we tasted, in both these beauties, was an appealing savoriness, a surprising juiciness, and a balance that (ha) almost knocked us over.
James Suckling was equally drawn to what we'll call the secondary characteristics of these great Riojas. In his 95-point review of the Viña Tondonia Reserva, he declared it a "traditional beauty that effuses iron, warm earth and savory tobacco leaves, together with plums, spices and orange zest," going on to praise its "juicy" palate, "savory tannins," and "zesty" texture. As for the Viña Bosconia Reserva, he deemed it a "very complex, aged Rioja with savory plums, mushrooms, bark, red earth, orange peel and cedar," reserving special praise for its "long ... mouthwatering finish."
As the Rioja renaissance continues, many winemakers are nudging their wines in the direction of fruit-forwardness and brightness. That's not a bad thing, necessarily, but the best wines out of Rioja are those that honor tradition -- that bring the leather, the brawn, the textural depth, while also delivering the energy, the freshness that modern Riojas embody.
Lopez de Heredia threads that needle, and that's why we continue to partner with them ... and why we're so stoked to bring you these two gems. Not only are they exemplars of contemporary Rioja-making, but they are also as rewarding and memorable as Spanish reds get.
Act now to 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 Fall 2023. 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, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, May 25th, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
