1954 Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva
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Tasting notes
Bright crimson. Complex, tobacco – even cigars – nose. Very demanding and bone dry. Much drier than most rioja. But it still has life. Vibrant and delicate and racy – choose food with this with care. Long and very fresh. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 1954 Vina Tondonia is a bit deeper in color with a lovely perfume of Asian spices and incense. Complex, elegant, and a bit more structured than the ‘64s, this lengthy effort is still going strong! A visit to the venerable Bodega Lopez de Heredia, located in the Rioja Alta capital of Haro, is akin to entering a time machine taking you back 100 years. Construction of the Bodega began in 1877 and continues without any apparent changes to the present day. The winery is operated by the voluble Maria Jose Lopez de Heredia, her sister Mercedes, and their father Pedro, still active into his 80s. All of the wines are produced from estate grown bush vines. Tondonia and Bosconia are two different vineyards; Bosconia has a larger percentage of Tempranillo and a different orientation. For an excellent overview of the estate, read Eric Asimov’s blog in the New York Times dated August 11, 2009. Importers: Think Global, Santa Barbara, CA and Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404