Viña Tondonia Tinto Reserva 2008

For 141 years, four generations of the López de Heredia family have devoted themselves to producing exceptional and unique wines. Masterpieces which have achieved that which the founder of the company, Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, defined in the late nineteenth century as the "Supreme Rioja".

The 2008 Tinto Reserva announces itself with dense notes of macerated strawberries on the nose, followed seamlessly by those oh-so-glorious “Tondonia” notes of autumn bonfires and vanilla that make you feel perfectly at home. However, the 2008’s aromas move seamlessly into something much more delicate, verging even towards ethereal (for Rioja) with layers reminiscent of dried cranberries. These gather in momentum on the second pour as they transform with air into sweet layers of fresh raspberries which develop with astonishing complexity.

A blend of 70% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacho with the remaining 10% a mix of Graciano and Mazuelo, the palate is firmly upright at first, still surprisingly tight with a very high level of super-fine tannins. Initially ultrafresh, the wine rela xes with a bit more time as it begins to mellow. Transforming into a gentle and glorious wine, this Tondonia caresses the palate with luxuriant savoury notes, hints of marmite and cured meat, and spirals away into an endless finish. Simply put, this is warm, delicious, elegant yet exhilarating Tondonia, more in line with the cool 2006 than other recent vintages. It is so full of life and energy but displays that wonderful, counterbalancing richness that just makes you want to relax and sink on to the sofa with it; it is a wine worthy of any cellar. Drink 2022-2040. Catriona Felstead MW

"Tondonia's reds have been on an upward curve recently and are now at the same level as the bodega's world-class whites. This is a fine, elegant, savoury, low-alcohol blend of Tempranillo with 20% Garnacha and 5% each of Mazuelo and Graciano, combining summer berry fruit, racy acidity, granular tannins and an earthy, balsamic undertone. Good now, but this will develop further in bottle. 2020-28" 97 pts, Tim Atkin MW