Lopez de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Reserva 2004
Italy & Spain
About the SessionThe Italian offering is led by the great Super Tuscans of Bolgheri and Chianti Classico, along with Brunello di Montalcino making a strong line-up. We are equally delighted to present some of Spain’s finest and most traditional houses from the renowned regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, creating a compelling collection of distinguished Italian and Spanish wines.
LOT 57
Lopez de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Reserva 2004
About this Item
R. Lopez de Heredia, founded in 1877 in Haro, is the most gloriously traditional producer in all of Rioja, ageing its wines for years in old oak, in cellars draped with cellar-mould, before release. Viña Tondonia is its flagship red Reserva, from the estate's finest vineyard on a bend of the river Ebro, a wine of extraordinary finesse and longevity. 2004 was an excellent Rioja vintage. Joaquín Hidalgo from Vinous gave it a rating of 96, Julia Harding MW gave it 17 out of 20, and Thomas Matthews from Wine Spectator gave it 90.
Provenance
Private Client
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 brick from core to rim. Smoky and much less sweet-smelling than some. Oxidative winemaking and ageing has given a bit of marmite-like umami. Really savoury, a note of mocha and liquorice, undergrowth. Smooth, rolling across the palate. An impression of sweet old barrels. Still so much fruit, but it is the freshness that stands out." - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Apr 2026)
"Savory flavors of tea, mushroom and leather frame dried cherry and orange peel notes in this traditional-style red. Features a smooth, polished texture, with light tannins and bright acidity. Harmonious and graceful." - Thomas Matthews, Wine Spectator, 90/100 (Sep 2016)
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