2009 Viña Tondonia Tinto, Reserva, Bodegas R. López de Heredia, Rioja, Spain

Gorgeous aromas soar out of the glass of this wine. It is not reticent at all – quite the opposite being very open and generous at this stage. Aromas of sweet strawberries and raspberries mingle with that classic fresh leather note so typical of this wine. Autumn leaves and wild sage appears, but underneath all these classic tertiary aromas lies a concentrated ball of fruit.

The open, generous feel continues on the palate, yet there is still a tightness within the mineral structure, suggesting that this might need another year or two to open up fully. It is fresh with classic ‘Tondonia’ layers of complexity enveloping the palate and that soft yet concentrated redcurrant fruit. Savoury characters come to the fore, and tannins are excellent, drifting yet present, whilst the savoury, ‘coated’ finish is mouth-wateringly long. 

This is a gorgeous Tondonia for drinking soon whilst you wait for your 2008 to come around – and bearing in mind 2010 is likely highly structured, you should plan on getting enough of this to drink for a few years whilst the rest stays in your cellar.

Drink 2022 (decanted) to 2036

Catriona Felstead MW, Senior Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd (April 2021)