Lopez de Heredia - Rioja Viña Tondonia Reserva 2014

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2014 Viña Tondonia Blanco Reserva has a brilliant, almost fluorescent golden color and a complex, nuanced nose reminiscent of the 2017 Viña Gravonia that I tasted alongside it—toasty, smoky, and spicy, with notes of mushrooms and earth, pollen, and herbal tea, evoking the aromas of their old cellars. 2014 was not an easy vintage, and some wines were diluted due to heavy rains before or during the harvest. This is the usual blend of Viura with 10% Malvasía Riojana from vines averaging 63 years old on white soils rich in rock. It fermented in old oak vats with native yeasts and aged for six years—probably longer—in neutral, well-seasoned American oak barrels in their cellars, which have a significant effect on the wines (the longer the wine spends in these barrels, the greater the effect). It has an alcohol content of 12.5%, a pH of 3.3, and an acidity of 6.6 grams. It fills the mouth with zesty flavors, though it is medium-bodied and has an ethereal quality; it is very long and flavorful, with an almost salty finish featuring umami notes, and a dry, chalky texture. Delicious, crisp, and still young, it should age effortlessly. 18,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2022. 2025–2045

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2014 Blanco Riserva Viña Tondonia is a blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasía de Haro from Rioja. Aged for at least six years in large oak casks and two years in the bottle, it features a golden hue and aromas of lemon zest, herbs, light resin, and hints of nuts, with subtly integrated oak. Delicate and compact, with a subtle chalky note and a long, salty finish, this white wine harmoniously blends a supple texture with lively acidity. 2025–2045

James Suckling

About the wine:

A finesse characteristic of Lopez Heredia Tondonia, expressed in a refined and oxidative style. White mushrooms, macadamia nuts, dried lemons, mild spices, and mineral notes. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine is clean, precise, and lively, with lovely acidity and a long finish that will allow it to age well. Elegant. A blend of Viura and about 20% Malvasia. Ready to drink now or for aging.