{"product_id":"r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-tondonia-reserva-rioja-red-2013","title":"R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva Rioja Red 2013","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"47\" data-end=\"489\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOne of the great benchmark wines of Rioja, \u003cstrong data-start=\"90\" data-end=\"136\"\u003eR. López de Heredia (founded 1877 in Haro)\u003c\/strong\u003e represents a winemaking philosophy that is almost unchanged for more than a century long ageing in old oak, patient cellar maturation, and release only when the wine is considered fully resolved. Viña Tondonia sits at the heart of the estate’s reputation and is widely regarded as one of the most important traditional Rioja wines still produced today.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"491\" data-end=\"1046\"\u003eThe 2013 vintage reflects a cooler and challenging growing season in Rioja, marked by high rainfall, uneven ripening and lower yields due to hail and strong winds during the growing cycle. Harvest began late in October under pressure from weather conditions and potential botrytis, resulting in a wine defined more by finesse, acidity and structure than ripeness or power. The blend is approximately 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, with small proportions of Graciano and Mazuelo, fermented in old oak vats with indigenous yeasts before extended maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1395\"\u003eThe wine then spent no less than six years in well-seasoned American oak barrels in the estate’s cellars before further long bottle ageing prior to release in 2025, almost 12 years after harvest. This extended élevage is fundamental to the Tondonia style, allowing all components of the wine to integrate slowly and naturally without intervention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1397\" data-end=\"1734\"\u003eIn the glass, the 2013 shows remarkable aromatic complexity and evolution, opening with dried roses, tar and spice before unfolding into classic tertiary notes of mushroom, truffle, damp earth, dried leaves and brick dust. Despite its age and development, it retains a lifted floral and savoury perfume that continues to evolve with air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"2127\"\u003eThe palate is fine-boned and highly energetic, driven by vibrant acidity and extremely fine tannins. There is a sense of lightness of structure combined with depth of flavour, moving through red fruits, savoury earth, spice and forest floor complexity into a long, persistent and precise finish. The overall impression is one of tension, elegance and controlled evolution rather than weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2622\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2189\"\u003eWine Advocate (Robert Parker) 95 points (Luis Gutiérrez)\u003c\/strong\u003e describes the wine as a canonical expression of Viña Tondonia, highlighting its developed aromatic complexity, fine structure and vibrant energy despite the challenging vintage conditions. The review notes its fine tannins, high acidity and remarkable balance, positioning it as a classic example of traditional Rioja at its highest level. Alcohol is 13 percent with naturally high acidity contributing to its long ageing potential.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"appellance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50371709534401,"sku":null,"price":148.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0843\/3428\/0897\/files\/R._Lopez_de_Heredia_Vina_Tondonia_Reserva_Rioja_Red_2013.webp?v=1782887868","url":"https:\/\/appellance.com\/products\/r-lopez-de-heredia-vina-tondonia-reserva-rioja-red-2013","provider":"Appellance","version":"1.0","type":"link"}