The 2009 Lopez De Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva is a Tempranillo-dominant red wine from the notable Rioja region in Spain. Produced by Lopez De Heredia, this wine showcases a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, and 5% each of Mazuelo and Graciano. It matured in used American oak barrels for six years, offering a complex and refined profile.
James Suckling awarded this wine a high score of 97, praising its aromatic profile of "sweet berries, cherries, cedar, and dried flowers" with additional notes of "lemon and lime zest." He described it as "medium-to full-bodied with tight, integrated tannins that show wonderful length and reserve." Suckling emphasized its freshness and energy, calling it a "wonderful, classic wine" that is suitable for drinking now or holding for future enjoyment (jamessuckling.com, 9/25/2021).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also provided a positive review, giving it a score of 93. The reviewer highlighted the differences between the 2009 and 2008 vintages, noting that 2009 was a year of "ripeness, concentration and tannin." They observed that the wine has a "toasted character" with ripe black fruit, indicative of a warm year, but it remains more restrained compared to the Viña Bosconia from the same vintage. The finesse of Tondonia is apparent in this wine, with 220,000 bottles produced and bottled in May 2017 (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 10/30/2020).
Wine & Spirits also rated the wine 93, pointing out its initial volatility when first released from the bottle, which then transitions to a "silken and mouthwatering" texture with air. The reviewer appreciated its "bright, lively and refreshing take on traditional Rioja," with "brisk cherry and delicate orange zest notes." They noted that the wine is fully mature with ample tannins to support further aging and versatile enough to pair well with dishes like hake cheeks or rabbit stew (Wine & Spirits, 12/1/2021).
Overall, the 2009 Lopez De Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva is a distinguished and classic Rioja wine, praised for its complex aromas, refined structure, and potential for further aging.