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2003 Lopez de Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva

Colour: Red
Vintage: 2003
Appellation: Rioja
95 (JS)
Lopez de Heredia are one of the ‘big four’ of Haro (alongside Muga, La Rioja Alta and CVNE) and were the first to own and manage their own vineyards. Their preference for elegance and freshness is delivered by a straightforward recipe: grapes are sourced from their best vineyards, with a scrupulous selection of grapes, aged in huge old oak barrels deep in their underground cellars followed by further ageing in bottle. However, something very special happens in the process which creates truly unique, illustrious wines with an exceptional bouquet and perfect, near-Burgundian balance and style. Whilst the estate produces a number of wines, it is the Tondonia vineyard which is arguably most sought-after. They produce both Reservas and Gran Reservas in red and white - and even a tiny volume of ‘unicorn’ Gran Reserva Rosado. However all their wines undergo significantly longer ageing than the minimum requirement. Whilst they can be enjoyed immediately on release, they age spectacularly and have a remarkable savoury character and fine texture.

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BUYING OPTIONS

2003 Lopez de Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva

95 (JS)
£360 Loose bottle(s) available

2003 Lopez de Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva

Size
Cs (12)
Cs (6)
Cs (3)
Loose
Price
Per
Region: Spain
95 (JS)
BTL
0
0
0
6
£30
1
BIX Broking
BIX indicates the wine is being sourced from a private collection stored with Bordeaux Index. You can buy with confidence and the purchase process is the same as for our own stock.
CONDITION
STATUS
ETA
Our ETA dates are a guide and are subject to change. If you require more information on an ETA time please call UK +44 (0) 20 7269 0703 or alternatively email [email protected]
YOU BUY
Bottle (75cl)
CONDITION
Original Cardboard Case
STATUS
In-Bond
ETA
Our ETA dates are a guide and are subject to change. If you require more information on an ETA time please call UK +44 (0) 20 7269 0703 or alternatively email [email protected]
In Stock
Buy at
£38.68
6 Bottle(s) Available

2003 Lopez de Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva

95 (JS)
£360 Loose bottle(s) available

2003 Lopez de Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva

Size
Cs (12)
Cs (6)
Cs (3)
Loose
Price
Per
Region: Spain
95 (JS)
BTL
0
0
0
6
£30
1
BIX Broking
BIX indicates the wine is being sourced from a private collection stored with Bordeaux Index. You can buy with confidence and the purchase process is the same as for our own stock.
CONDITION
STATUS
ETA
Our ETA dates are a guide and are subject to change. If you require more information on an ETA time please call UK +44 (0) 20 7269 0703 or alternatively email [email protected]
YOU BUY
Bottle (75cl)
CONDITION
Original Cardboard Case
STATUS
In-Bond
ETA
Our ETA dates are a guide and are subject to change. If you require more information on an ETA time please call UK +44 (0) 20 7269 0703 or alternatively email [email protected]
In Stock
Buy at
£30.00
6 Bottle(s) Available

Tasting Notes and Scores

90

Wine Advocate

From one of the warmest summers in recent history, the 2003 Viña Tondonia Reserva might not show that much heat as María José López de Heredia, this is a Viña Tondonia 6º año, a wine matured for six years and always a blend of grape varieties and vintages. It is legally possible to have up to 15% of wine from a different vintage as the one shown on the label. She says their wines do not vary that much from vintage to vintage because of this. The house blend is around 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho (notice the masculine use of Garnacha), 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo fermented in old (up to 140 years old) oak vats with natural yeasts ("we have never added any yeasts" was her answer). The wine has a canonical 12.5% alcohol and 6.5 grams of acidity. It matured in (used) barrels for six years and was bottled unfiltered. Even if they want to avoid the imprint from the vintage, it's impossible to erase the effect of the torrid 2003. The wine is less Tondonia than the 2004, and the fruit is more obvious and forward. The palate is fuller than your average vintage, juicy and ripe. An approachable Tondonia Reserva to drink on the younger side. Drink 2015*2019.
90 points – Luis Gutierrez (eRobertParker.com, April 2015)

91

Wine Spectator

Cigar box, cedar and balsamic notes frame cherry, raisin and licorice flavors in this lean, firm red. Displays grip and focus, with firm tannins and orange peel acidity. The spicy finish is fresh and long. A traditional style. Drink now through 2023. 20,416 cases made. - winespectator.com, September 2015

95

James Suckling

Ripe aromas of dried fruits, plums and prunes. Flowers too. Full body, round and ripe textured tannins. Intense and powerful fruit. Layered. Powerful style. Very long. Richer than normal due to the the hot growing seasons of 2003. Aged for six years in old American oak barrels. Drink or hold.
– jamessuckling.com, July 2015)

92

Antonio Galloni

Bright ruby-red. Ripe cherry, vanilla and floral pastilles on the smoky, oak-spiced nose. Sweet and supple on the palate, offering pliant red fruit and spicecake flavors with suave mocha and vanilla bean nuances. Quite lively and fresh for a wine from a hot vintage, and showing no excess fat. Finishes sweet, toasty and very long, with smooth tannins making a late appearance. Drink 2018-2025.
– Josh Raynolds (vinous.com, Nov 2015)