R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Tinto 2004

A magnificent and ultra-legendary Spanish red wine aged meticulously for a decade in traditional old oak casks. Released only in exceptional vintages, it delivers an expressive bouquet of dried dark cherries, exotic cedar, cured tobacco leaves, and profound tertiary mineral complexity.

Food Pairing: Pairs flawlessly with dynamic roasted milk-fed lamb, slow-braised wild venison loin, premium pan-seared squab breast, or extraordinary aged artisan sheep milk cheeses.

100 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2004 Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva didn't stop growing and changing in the glass for the good three hours that lasted the tasting of the portfolio. I had tasted this wine on my previous visit (they don't usually open future Gran Reserva vintages), and I was very impressed. This was aromatic (but took some time in the glass to open up), floral, perfumed, elegant and nuanced. The year was excellent, textbook, and the grapes from Viña Tondonia were picked from the 11th of October, the dates from yesteryear. I had the exceptional 2001 Parreno two weeks before I tasted this wine, and I found many similarities between both wines. It has complex notes of forest floor, truffle, wild herbs, spices and mushrooms and a touch of iodine. This is velvety, with super elegant tannins and a supple finish. It has clout and persistence, but there's also something ethereal about it. It's full of energy, light and power. This should be almost eternal. Bravo! 24,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2018.

98 Points - James Suckling

Such a beautifully aged gran reserva that shows the more traditional side of Rioja. Dried blood orange peel, white pepper, dried thyme, iron, berries, minerals, black sesame seeds and old books. So bright and firm, with a full body and an extremely bright, lengthy finish. If I bought a bottle I’d still want to keep it for another few years. Drink or hold.