The 2006 Lopez De Heredia Rioja Viña Tondonia Reserva is a Tempranillo-based red wine hailing from the renowned Rioja region in Spain. This vintage, produced by Lopez De Heredia, includes a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo. With an alcohol content of 13.0%, it is a wine that showcases traditional Rioja winemaking techniques.
Critics have given this wine high praise, with Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarding it a notable 95 points. The review highlights the wine's inspiration from the vineyards of the Médoc, but emphasizes its local grape composition. The wine matured in used American oak barriques for approximately six years, which is typical for Viña Tondonia. Despite being the oldest among the reds tasted by the reviewer, it stood out for its freshness, a testament to the vineyard's quality. The 2006 vintage represents a substantial portion of the winery's production, with about 220,000 bottles filled over 12 consecutive days in May 2014.
James Suckling also provided a favorable review, giving the wine 94 points. He described it as "remarkably lively for a 12-year-old Rioja," noting its distinct notes of licorice and dried cherries. He praised its "very elegant tannin structure" that runs through the medium to full body of the wine "like a silk thread." The review also mentioned the wine's long and polished dry finish, suggesting that it can be enjoyed now or held for future drinking.
In summary, the 2006 Lopez De Heredia Rioja Viña Tondonia Reserva is a well-regarded wine that exemplifies the traditional style of Rioja with an impressive blend of local grapes. Its aging process in oak barriques and the resulting freshness and complexity have garnered it high scores from esteemed critics. This wine is a testament to the quality and heritage of the Lopez De Heredia winery.