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The wines of López de Heredia, Rioja, Spain

Avda. Vizcaya 3, 26200 Haro (Rioja), Spain
Tel: +39 (0) 941 310 244
E-mail: bodega@lopezdeheredia.com Website: www.tondonia.com  
UK agent: The Harrow Wine Cellars (tel: 01672 870 871)

These are remarkable, unusually old-fashioned wines. I’m a little hesitant to recommend them because I know a lot of people will find them just too far from the accepted modern norm of winemaking to be enjoyable. But I like them very much, especially the whites, which are unique, long-lived wines. In typical Spanish style, these wines are released late, when the producer thinks it’s time to begin drinking them. If you get a chance to try them, you should, but please don’t blame me if you can’t stand them.

Viña Gravonia White Crianza 1993
Distinctive nutty nose with savoury complexity. The palate is dense and savoury with a herby, nutty character. Rounded and complex. Very good+ 89/100

Viña Tondonia White Reserva 1987
Tiny hint of mustiness to this. Dense, savoury, slightly oxidised style. Herby, sherryish edge and high acidity. Very good+ 86/100

Viña Tondonia White Gran Reserva 1981
Distinctive nose. Dense, savoury and nutty with a sweet, spicy caramelly edge. Complex savoury palate with high acidity. Nutty, part oxidised style but quite compelling. Very good/excellent 92/100

Viña Tondonia Rosé Crianza 1993
Aged for four years in barrel. Lifted acidity with herby fruit and some sweetness. Chewy, savoury palate with some tannin. A rich style with high acidity. Lovely. Bery good/excellent 90/100

Viña Bosconia Red Reserva 1996
Palish colour. Spicy, herby palate with savoury chewy fruit and undergrowth hints. Firm tannins. Needs time? Very good+ 87/100

Viña Tondonia Red Reserva 1996
Some herby sweetness to the nose. Spicy, earthy minerally palate is quite evolved in a traditional style. Very good+ 88/100

Viña Tondonia Red Gran Reserva 1985
Palish colour. Sweet open alluring caramelly nose, with hints of toffee. Complex, elegant palate is quite subtle with herby notes. Spicy edge to this light, subtle wine. Very good/excellent 91/100

Viña Bosconia Red Gran Reserva 1981
Evolved herby, undergrowthy nose with sweet fruit. Chewy, savoury, herby palate with a spicy finish. Nice. Very good/excellent 90/100

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