R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2001 (1500ml)

Will Stanley

Following on from the 2005 Blanco Reserva, the Tinto Reserva from the fabled 2001 vintage was in fact a little underwhelming, perhaps given lofty expectations and the exceptional white we’d just enjoyed. This was in a lovely spot, offering plenty of mellow enjoyment but not a great deal more.

Conrad Green

Dark plum, underbrush. Hints of iodine, a bit of oak. Savory. Very good

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

From magnum and paired well with three different Tri-tip steaks sources and marinades. On the nose, sweet & sour, ripe dark cherries, cherries, blackberries, strawberries, some ripe, slightly rustic rhubarb with just a hint of blue fruits. Glycerin, touch of fruit liqueur, vanilla, dry stones, crushed rocks, hints of dry herbs, used leather, saddle-wood, dark rich soils, soft dark spice, underlying white pepper and dark red fresh and slightly withering florals with a touch of violets. The palate is med and beautiful. The length, structure, tension and balance are at its peak harmony from magnum. Sweet & sour, ripe dark cherries, cherries, blackberries, strawberries, pomegranate, some ripe, slightly rustic rhubarb, burnt orange, with just a hint of blue fruits. Glycerin, touch of fruit liqueur, vanilla, dry river stones, crushed rocks, hints of dry herbs, used leather, saddle-wood, dark rich soils, limestone minerals, dry stems, more presence, soft dark spice, underlying white pepper and dark red fresh and slightly withering florals with a touch of violets and blue flowers. The acidity is waterfall perfect. The rich, ripe, fresh fruit, well balanced finish is simply beauty on steroids. Photos of, Lopez de Heredia, Vat fermenters that are still in use and somewhere between 100-200 years of age (they repair them as needed to keep them tight), their cooperage and Maria José López de Heredia who now runs the family business.

Austin Hohnke

Banging. In the pocket right now. Vanilla bean and burnt pencil shavings on the nose with sunburnt orange peel and baked cranberry and strawberry flavors. Some argue it’s all the same, I think it’s consistently delicious.

Max Perkins

VP Sales Tryon Distributing

Another classic! What I dream when I dream Rioja.

Michael Cruse

Owner Cruse Wine Company

Tasting really nice right now. Strawberry and earth with a very slightly meaty finish.

David Gissen

Aging very well. Really fantastic with the other brook. @camino

Christopher Losa

Owner/Wine Director Bar Bambino

While dusty and not a jam bomb, nonetheless reductive and heavy- handed for Heredia. Shows the warmth of the vintage.

Tom Kobylarz

So damn easy to drink and interesting at the same time. Insane value here. 13 year old wine that is a recent release from the Bodega. One of the best Tempranillo! #lopezdeheredia #rioja #spain

Jörgen Lindström Carlvik

Owner, Brix Wine Consultants

Hints of Jura funk and aged, positively oxidative fruity notes, this has great acidity and developed, almost candied fruit flavors. Integrated oak and gentle pine resin linger on the finish. Unique.