Viña Tondonia Reserva 2004

Provenance

The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.

For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@briceandburnett.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.

Critics Ratings

“The 2004 Viña Tondonia comes from vines planted in the Tondón meander in Rioja Alta and was aged extensively in American oak. Remarkably, it retains great vitality despite its age. The élevage pushes the aromatics toward classic bouquet territory, with dried herbs, coconut and cinnamon, while the oak remains astonishingly pristine. On the nose, subtle notes of pine and forest herbs add complexity. Silky and expansive on the palate, the wine shows fine tannins (this bottle was a magnum) and impressive aromatic lift. A beautifully resolved Tondonia.” - Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, 96/100 (Apr 2026)

'Deep reddish garnet. Beautifully complex aromas: leather and undergrowth and yet still there is red fruit. A miracle. Silky and refined. Leathery, dry but there's no dryness on the finish. So complex. They will soon be moving on to the 2005.' - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Jun 2017)

'Deep red. Exotic, oak-spiced red berry liqueur, dried cherry and vanilla aromas are complemented by a smoky overtone. Sweet and pliant in the mouth, displaying a velvety texture to the plush black raspberry, cherry-vanilla and coconut flavors. Shows no rough edges and picks up a suave floral note with air, finishing with excellent clarity, a hint of allspice and round, harmonious tannins.' - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 93/100 (Apr 2017)

'Slightly damp, earthy and cool aromas introduce this traditional Rioja. In the mouth, pinchy tannins and tomatoey acidity pave the way for flavors of raisin, peppery spice and leafy herbs. A long steady finish is full of life. Drink now through 2030' - Michael Schacher, Wine Enthusiast, 91/100 (Jun 2017)

'Very perfumed with dried flowers plus hints of leather and smoke. Lots of depth and elegance to this wine with polished velvety tannins and a long finish. Wonderful texture.' - James Suckling, 94/100 (May 2016)

'The 2004 Viña Tondonia Reserva is a completely different story. It is a worthy follower of the 2001, the greatest of the Viña Tondonia Reservas of recent times. It has the usual blend and usual levels of alcohol and acidity, bottled after six years in oak barrels. The nose feels savory (if that's possible-umami?) and developed, with tertiary aromas and good balance between spices, leathery notes, cherries and balsamic notes of cigar box and incense. The palate is both round and crisp, with refined tannins. It has very good balance with subtle acidity and very good persistence.' - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Apr 2015)