1994 Viña Tondonia Tinto, Gran Reserva, Bodegas R. López de Heredia, Rioja, Spain

1994 was one of the greatest post-war Rioja vintages, its mild spring and extended growing season ideal for Gran Reservas in particular. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that the Tondonia Gran Reserva is a little special…

The blend is 75% Tempranilo and 15% Garnacha with the balance shared equally between Graciano and Mazuelo, aged in American barrel for nearly ten years with racking taking place twice a year.

The ageing potential for this wine is extraordinary; at the moment the colour is dense and rich and the aromatics combine gentle vanillin with dried fruit and hints of spice. All is in place for a fascinating evolution, which is not to say that one should overlook its current charms.
Simon Field MW -  Wine Buyer

Bodegas R. López de Heredia is one of the wine world’s great treasures. Founded in 1877 by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, the bodega was built close to the railway station at Haro, in Rioja, its location geographically symbolic for proximity of access to the ideas of Bordeaux and practically useful for transportation of both grapes and wines. The quality of the wines is such that they have maintained a plateau of perfection for years.