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Winery: Bodegas López de Heredia

Country / Region: Spain / Rioja

Date winery was established: 1877

Grape Variety: Tempranillo / Garnacha / Mazuelo

Year the vintage was first released: 1911

Alcohol / Volume: 13.5% / 750ml

Ratings: 96 pts. Robert Parker

Good To Know: Highly regarded as one of the world's greatest wine estates, Vina Tondonia is highly renowned for their traditional Rioja winemaking style focusing mainly on Tempranillo with the addition of lesser amounts of Garnacha and Mazuelo in their blends. Also amazing to note is their use of very old oak vats of varying sizes and wood origin as well as the deep, dark network of tunnels where their cellars for aging wines are located.

Founded in 1877, Vina Tondonia's sprawling winery complex in the capital of Rioja Alta, Haro, is one of the oldest in the city and one of the first in the region. Their vineyards extend to around 100 hectares on an amazing site of alluvial clay with high traces limestone; over a gorgeous view of the Ebro river. The company that owns Vina Tondonia, R. Lopez de Heredia also own 3 other vineyards in the region: Viñas Cubillo, Bosconia and Zaconia (currently known as Gravonia).

The 2001 Viña Tondonia Tinto Reserva from the legendary R. López de Heredia is an iconic expression of traditional Rioja, crafted during one of the most profoundly celebrated and historically significant vintages in the region's modern history. The 2001 growing season was universally hailed as a benchmark, "Excellent" year, offering flawless climatic conditions that allowed the Tempranillo-led blend to achieve perfect physiological ripeness. This exceptional vintage gifted the grapes with an extraordinary concentration of flavor, seamlessly married to a firm tannic backbone and the bright, life-preserving acidity required for decades of graceful evolution. Having undergone the estate's signature extended aging in old American oak barrels followed by years of resting in the cellar, this Reserva reveals a breathtakingly complex, silky bouquet of dried red cherries, sweet tobacco, worn leather, and autumnal forest floor. Because of its beautifully resolved texture and vibrant savory depth, it is a magnificent companion at the dining table. It pairs flawlessly with classic, rustic dishes such as slow-roasted lamb shank, roasted game birds, earthy wild mushroom ragout, or traditional Spanish tapas including premium Jamón Ibérico and mature, aged Manchego cheese.