2012 López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva

López de Heredia has been making wine the same traditional way in Haro since 1877, and they still believe a great Rioja needs time and they’re not wrong.  The winery does all the aging for you, so when it hits your cellar, it’s ready to drink. Long aging in their own American oak barrels and further rest in bottle before it ever sees the market. Viña Tondonia is their flagship, and they only release it when they feel it has the complexity and balance they want.

The 2012 shows a vibrant red color beginning to lean toward amber. It offers aromas of red cherry, dried berries, vanilla, iron, minerals, tobacco, forest floor, and a touch of spice. On the palate it is rich yet very dry and smooth, with polished tannins, lively freshness, excellent balance, and a long, savory finish—classic, developed Tondonia character that is still energetic.

This Reserva spent six years in barrel,  which is longer than usual even for them after a dry vintage that produced healthy, concentrated grapes, followed by  further aging in bottle before release.

Grape: 70–75% Tempranillo, 15–20% Garnacha, with Graciano and Mazuelo

Region: Rioja DOCa (Rioja Alta), Spain

- James Suckling 96 Points