R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva 2001

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva 2001

Lopez de Heredia
$155.00

Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo
Vintage: 2001
Type: Red

Sourced from the iconic 100-hectare Viña Tondonia vineyard along the banks of the Ebro River in Rioja Alta, this classic blend thrives on alluvial soils mixed with limestone and gravel. Hand-harvested fruit ferments spontaneously with native yeasts in historic oak vats before undergoing 6 full years of aging in neutral American oak barrels crafted in the estate’s own cooperage. The prolonged wood aging is balanced by gentle racking twice a year and a light fining with fresh egg whites prior to bottling without filtration. This is a timeless, traditional Rioja defined by patience, tertiary depth, and structural harmony.

A deep ruby color with brick highlights introduces savory aromas of dried cherry, tobacco leaf, cedar box, and dried orange peel. The palate delivers classic flavors of tart red plum, leather, clove, and sweet forest floor, supported by silky, fine-grained tannins and a vibrant line of natural acidity. The mid-palate has an elegant, light-to-medium weight that feels both polished and energetic. It finishes long, dry, and distinctly savory, leaving a lasting impression of crushed stone, dried herbs, and toasted oak.

This family-owned winery makes highly individual wines in a style essentially unchanged since its inception in 1877. They grow all their grapes using organic methods, ferment using only natural yeasts and do not filter their wines.

López de Heredia reputation as the ultimate Rioja traditionalist is undisputable: craft, farming, winemaking are all here and have been for a long, long time. Another remarkable feat is they also pioneered the single vineyard model in Rioja. Gravonia, Tondonia, Bosconia and Cubillo are all individual vineyards which have been in the family for generations.

Patience is a family watchword, as this bodega thinks nothing of waiting twenty years before releasing a wine. Their “Crianzas” are aged like others’ “Reservas” and “Gran Reservas”; the “Reservas” as long as others’ top “Gran Reservas”. And the ultimate accolade of “Gran Reserva” is accorded to only the very greatest vintages. Rarely are there more than three of these in a decade. These are uniquely traditional Riojas of massive, boundary-crossing repute. Both red and white are capable of staggering longevity.

Tondonia is the estate's top vineyard. Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta planted Viña Tondonia in 1913. The gorgeous 170 hectare Tondonia vineyard is situated in on the right bank of the Ebro river, which flows through the Rioja region.