The 2010 Lopez De Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva is a well-regarded Tempranillo-based red wine from the Rioja region of Spain. This vintage exemplifies the traditional winemaking methods of the Lopez De Heredia winery, a producer with a 144-year history. The blend consists of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho, and 5% each of Graciano and Mazuelo. The wine was fermented in ancient oak vats and matured in American oak barrels for six years. It has an alcohol content of 13%.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive 97 points, highlighting its complexity and depth. He noted, "This is as complex and savory as the rest of the Viña Tondonia wines, but also shows a tad more depth, with a hint of black plum and blue fruit on top of the orange rind, iron, tobacco, and earthy spices." Suckling also mentioned the wine's "juicy, zesty and tight" character, with "dusty tannins and bright berry fruit on the medium-to full-bodied palate."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave high praise with a score of 96, with Luis Gutiérrez describing it as having "complexity, elegance and evolution." He noted the developed nose featuring "notes of forest floor and wild berries, herbs and flowers, a touch of iodine, brick dust and very fine, polished tannins." Gutiérrez appreciated its “seriousness and elegance,” attributes often associated with Tondonia wines.
Wine Enthusiast matched the Wine Advocate’s score of 96, with Mike DeSimone noting its "garnet" color and a bouquet of "blackberry, dark chocolate and herbes de Provence." He described flavors of "pomegranate, cranberry, caramel, olive tapenade and Mediterranean herbs," praising its "vigorous tannins" and "bright acidity."
Wine Spectator, with a score of 93, described the wine as "elegant" and "fine and creamy on the palate," featuring notes of "sun-dried cherry, iron, spiced orange peel, graphite and mocha." The reviewer, A.N., highlighted its "muscular tannins" and "lasting finish."
Wine & Spirits also awarded it a 93, noting its "fresh and generous" character with "scents of sap and pitch." The wine was described as "mouthwatering, light and open," with "subtle undertones of dill and American oak," focusing on "tart red fruit" flavors.
In summary, the 2010 Lopez De Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva is celebrated for its complexity, elegance, and traditional winemaking craftsmanship, receiving high scores and praise across the board from professional reviewers.
