R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva 2004
It all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps. Don Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three houses in the Rioja region. Bodegas López de Heredia stands out as one of the few family-run bodegas regulated by the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja – DOC (Appellation region).
A blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, and 10% Mazuelo and Graciano, and aged for 6 Years in old American oak barrels! Nice!! Light Ruby with complex aromas of red fruit, spices and smoke. On the palate raspberry and cherry flavors with herb spice, vanilla, smoky oak, leather and hints of pepper. Well balanced with smooth tannins, vivid acidity and a long lingering finish ending with earthy spice tones. Still young! Very Nice!
Cheers!