2013 Lopez de Heredia - Vina Tondonia Reserva (750ml)
Founded in 1877 in Haro's Barrio de la Estación, López de Heredia remains one of the most uncompromising traditionalists in all of Spain — fermenting with native yeasts in old oak vats, aging in neutral American oak in deep underground cellars, and releasing wines only when they are truly ready. The Viña Tondonia Reserva is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, and 10% Graciano and Mazuelo, grown in the calcareous soils of the Tondonia meander in Rioja Alta, aged for no less than six years in old American oak before release.
The 2013 opens with a developed nose of dried roses and tar that soon gives way to mushrooms, truffles, damp earth, decayed leaves, and hints of brick dust and spice — a wine that transports you straight to the López de Heredia cellars in Haro. On the palate it is medium-bodied with chalky grip and a layered, tertiary finish — refined, enduring, and unmistakably Tondonia. Drink now through 2055