"Viña Tondonia Reserva 2012 comes from a very dry year, with 25% less rainfall than average (at the time), resulting in lower yields from very healthy grapes that produced wines with a fine balance between alcohol and polyphenols, making them very suitable for barrel aging. Barrel ageing was slightly longer, for six years. The wine is aromatic with a developed, spicy, tertiary profile (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. The nose and profile of this wine are typical of Tondonia." (Wine Advocate 2024)
Features
Estate
Lopez de Heredia
Cuvée
Tondonia Reserva
Vintage
2012
Designation
Rioja
Region
Spain
Grape varieties
70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 10% Graciano et Mazuelo
Terroirs
Composed of poplars and alluvium with a high proportion of limestone, overlooking the Ebro meander.
Viticulture
Traditional and meticulous
Harvest
Manual
Winemaking
During the maturing years: 2 rackings per year, clarification, no filtration before bottling.
Breeding
6 years in barrels
Alcohol content
13%
Tasting & pairing
Eye
Bright ruby with amber highlights
Nose
Fine and elegant, with plum jam, orange zest, cedar and forest floor.
Mouth
Supple and unctuous, firm tannins, well-structured, long-lasting and aromatic.
Serve
At 18-20°C, let it open gently in the glass for 5 to 10 minutes.
Open
1 to 2 hours before
Drink from
2024
Drink before
2035
Food and wine pairing
Enjoy with leg of lamb with rosemary, beef tournedos, suckling pig...
Lopez de Heredia
Rioja
Expert opinion
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Rated (guide 2024) 95/100 (Extraordinary wine)
Domaine noté Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
Viña Tondonia Reserva 2012 comes from a very dry year, with 25% less rainfall than average (at the time), resulting in lower yields from very healthy grapes that produced wines with a good balance between alcohol and polyphenols, making them very suitable for barrel aging. Barrel ageing was slightly longer, for six years. The wine is aromatic with a developed, spicy, tertiary profile (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. The nose and profile of this wine are typical of Tondonia. 2025-2035
Vinous A. Galloni
Wine rated (guide 2023) 95/100
About the wine:
Viña Tondonia 2012 is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, grown on the Ebro meander in Rioja Alta. This garnet-red wine reveals aromas of ash and plum marmalade, with a slightly herbaceous core and hints of woody cedar. Dry and lean, its rather chalky texture lingers for a long time, ending with a compact, savory and persistent finish. The 2012 is a magnificent old-fashioned Rioja. 2024-2035
James Suckling
Wine rated (guide 2024) 96/100
Recommended area
About the wine:
Savory berries, plums, iron, minerals, tobacco, ink and blood oranges. Very bright, juicy and structured, with sensational balance, aged flavor and a brightness typical of Tondonia reds. Gorgeous now.
Customer reviews
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