Lopez de Heredia - Rioja Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva 2004

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva 2004 kept growing and changing in the glass during the three hours it took to taste the portfolio. I had tasted this wine on my previous visit (they don't usually open future Gran Reserva vintages), and had been very impressed. This wine was aromatic (but took a while to open in the glass), floral, perfumed, elegant and nuanced. The year was excellent, and the Viña Tondonia grapes were picked from October 11 onwards, the dates of yesteryear. I tasted the exceptional Parreno 2001 two weeks before tasting this wine, and found many similarities between the two wines. It has complex notes of forest floor, truffle, wild herbs, spices and mushrooms, as well as a touch of iodine. It is velvety, with very elegant tannins and a supple finish. It's powerful and persistent, but there's also something ethereal about it. It's full of energy, light and power. It should last almost forever. Well done! 2024-2044

Vinous A. Galloni

About the wine:

A Rioja time capsule: that's the impression you'll get when you taste López de Heredia's wines, in particular the Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia 2004. The 2004 is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano grapes grown in the Ebro meander in Rioja Alta. Aged for ten years in barrel and a further ten years in bottle, this brioche-colored wine displays nuances of dried black fruit, licorice, hazelnut and cedar, as well as aromas of resin, cola and spices. 2024-2030

James Suckling

About the wine:

A beautifully aged gran reserva that shows the more traditional side of Rioja. Dried blood orange peel, white pepper, dried thyme, iron, berries, minerals, black sesame seeds and old books. Very bright and firm, with full body and an extremely bright, long finish. If I bought a bottle, I'd want to keep it for a few more years. Drink it or keep it.