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: 996 pts. Robert Parker / 4 pts. Guia Penin / 94 pts. Tim Atkin / 92 pts. Cellar Tracker

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 2010 Viña Tondonia Tinto Reserva from the iconic R. López de Heredia is an exquisite expression of traditional Rioja, born from a legendary vintage widely considered one of the greatest of the 21st century. The 2010 growing season was officially classified as "Excellent" by the Rioja regulatory board, characterized by perfect climatic conditions that delivered flawlessly healthy grapes with exceptional concentration and vibrant, life-giving acidity. Having undergone the estate's meticulously patient aging process—spending six years in ancient American oak barrels before resting extensively in the bottle—this Tempranillo-led blend emerges with breathtaking elegance and structural finesse. It delivers a deeply complex, silky bouquet of dried red cherries, wild strawberries, sweet tobacco, worn leather, and subtle autumnal spices, all carried by a vibrant freshness that guarantees decades of graceful evolution. Because of its beautifully resolved tannins and profound savory depth, this historic red is a phenomenal companion at the dining table. It pairs spectacularly with classic, rustic dishes such as slow-roasted lamb shoulder, grilled game, hearty wild mushroom ragout, or traditional Spanish delicacies like premium Jamón Ibérico and mature, aged Manchego cheese.