Tasting Notes
The new release, from the phenomenal 2010 vintage, from the region's winemaker of the year. Given the quality of the vintage, Tondonia is unsurprisingly, outstanding this year. Concentrated, powerful aromas of black and red fruit move into an almost liquorice character on top. It really feels astonishingly pure for this wine yet this intense fruit is cradled by more classic ‘Tondonia’ notes of cured jamón, leather, vanilla and nutmeg spice. Drink now and over the next 20 or so years.
More Info
To step back inside the López de Heredia winery is to step back in time. Founded in 1877, and little changed since, López de Heredia might not be quite the oldest winery in Rioja, but they are certainly the most tradition bound and least changed. You read a lot of marketing fluff about ‘family winemaking tradition’, but at López de Heredia, it’s real. Maria José López de Heredia and her winemaker sister, Mercedes, couldn’t care less about wine fashions. They've been producing wines in the style their great grandfather did, where their wines slumber in their deep cellars for many years before release. The quest for perfection is of utmost importance, and no wine is released until it is ready.