R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 1970

9.7

Poured into a decanter maybe an hour prior to service. The 1970 Tondonia Gran Reserva pours a garnet color with a transparent core, moving towards a slightly orange rim. Medium viscosity with light staining of the tears and some signs of fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous and absolutely brilliant with a mix of desiccated and ripe fruits: dried Morello and Montmorency cherry, cocoa powder, mushrooms, old leather bound books, an entire cabinet full of dried herbs and spices, a memory of barnyard and a deciduous forest floor. On the palate, the wine is dry with good structure still: medium tannin (fully integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and makes me believe there is something bigger than us in this life. This bottle, on this afternoon, gives the confidence to embrace the mystery. Drink now with an hour of air but I get the sense this is one of those Energizer Bunny wines… — 2 days ago

Ely, Jae and 24 others liked this

Jay Kline

@Tom Casagrande it doesn’t happen very often for me…maybe once a year. But when it does, it’s an emotional thing

Peter van den Besselaar

Nice!

David T

Nice treat.

Marqués de Riscal

Reserva Herederos del Marques de Riscal Rioja Tempranillo

Jane Nuss

9.1

Medium ruby in color with pronounced intensity. Aromas include blackberry, black cherry, cranberry, and raspberry, with hints of mint, clove, dark chocolate, leather, tobacco, and earth. Dry, with medium acidity and medium-plus tannins. Balanced and complex with a long finish.
— 17 days ago

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2010

Jae Cho

9.1

In an awkward spot that suffers by comparison to an amazing mosel troken. Has much that’s delicious, but the taut, stony tertiary flavors are incipient not quite showy. — 2 days ago

Juan, Jay and 4 others liked this