R. Lopez de Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva (375ML half-bottle) 2006

Professional Ratings

• 95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  The red flagship 2006 Viña Tondonia Reserva was inspired by the vineyards of the Médoc but produced with local grapes, 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, which achieved 13% alcohol in 2006. It always matures in used American oak barriques for some six years. The oldest of all the reds I tasted, it was also the one with more freshness, which speaks to the quality of the vineyard. This takes the lion's share of the 400,000 bottles the winery produces, with some 220,000 bottles filled over a period of 12 consecutive days in May 2014

• 94 James Suckling

  This is a remarkably lively wine for a 12-year-old Rioja with notes of licorice and dried cherries and a very elegant tannin structure that runs through the medium to full body of this red like a silk thread. The dry finish is long and polished. Drink or hold.

• 92 Wine Spectator
  This red remains fresh and juicy, featuring cherry, berry and licorice flavors mingling with smoke, coffee and mineral notes. Light, firm tannins and orange peel acidity keep this balanced. Drink now through 2021. 18,333 cases made, 4,800 cases imported.
• 90 Wine & Spirits
  This vintage of Tondonia is elegant and fully developed, its cool dill scents and zesty flavors of wild strawberry and pomegranate still firm but beginning to yield to the touch. Lovely to drink now, this is the kind of versatile Rioja that can match most anything, from sautéed hake cheeks to wintry roasts, and even the cheese course.