Blend: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo
Drink Window: 2022-2034
96 Points James Suckling
Savory berries, plums, iron, minerals, tobacco, ink and blood oranges. Very bright, juicy and structured, with sensational balance, aged savoriness and brightness that are typical of Tondonia reds. Beautiful now.
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 Point Vinous
The 2012 Viña Tondonia is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, cultivated on the meander of the Ebro River in Rioja Alta. This garnet wine reveals aromas of ash and plum marmalade, with a faintly herbal core and hints of oaky cedar. Dry and lean, the fairly chalky texture lingers long, concluding with a compact, flavorful and lasting finish.
The 2012 Lopez De Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva is a Tempranillo varietal from the renowned Rioja region in Spain. This red wine is produced by the esteemed Lopez De Heredia winery, known for its traditional approach and dedication to quality.According to Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, the 2012 vintage comes from a significantly dry year, receiving 25% less rainfall than average. This scarcity of rain resulted in lower yields of exceptionally healthy grapes, which contributed to the wine's balanced profile between alcohol and polyphenols. The wine underwent an extensive aging process, spending six years in barrels, which has significantly shaped its character.The 2012 Viña Tondonia Reserva has been described as aromatic with a developed profile. The review from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, dated February 29, 2024, notes that the wine is "spicy and tertiary (forest floor, a touch of brick dust and iodine), complex and nuanced." This complexity is a hallmark of Tondonia wines, showcasing a range of subtle and sophisticated flavors and aromas.On the palate, the wine is reported to be full and round, with polished tannins that contribute to a smooth drinking experience. The finish is long and dry, leaving a lasting impression. The review highlights the "textbook Tondonia nose and profile," indicating that this vintage stays true to the traditional characteristics that fans of Lopez De Heredia wines have come to expect.This vintage produced 250,000 bottles, making it relatively accessible despite its high quality. The 2012 Lopez De Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva has received an excellent score of 95 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, underscoring its status as a standout wine from this reputable producer. The combination of its balanced profile, complex aromas, and polished tannins make it a noteworthy choice for both collectors and casual wine enthusiasts alike.2012 is a beautiful old-school Rioja.
Winemaker Notes
