2009 López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva

Rioja, Spain

A blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Mazuelo and Graciano, matured in used American oak barrels for six years. 2009 is a year of ripeness, concentration and tannin; the wines are powerful, but here you see the finesse of Tondonia. 220,000 bottles made. 

This vintage was qualified as VERY GOOD by the DOC Rioja Board. The wine growing campaign proceeded as usual except for the heavy rains that took place in June, which however didn’t really affect the grapes’ setting. After these fertilization and absence of spring frosts there was a dry and hot summer, free of cryptogamic/fungal diseases, that resulted in an abundant harvest.

97 points, James Suckling. "Sweet berries, cherries, cedar and dried flowers on the nose. Some lemon and lime zest, too! Medium-to full-bodied with tight, integrated tannins that show wonderful length and reserve. So fresh and vivid. Lots of energy. A wonderful, classic wine."