The 2013 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Blanco Reserva is a white wine from the renowned Rioja region in Spain, produced by Lopez De Heredia. This wine is a proprietary blend, and it is sealed with a traditional cork closure. The 2013 vintage was notably challenging, yet the winemakers defended the quality of their product.
In a review by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, dated March 1, 2024, the wine received a commendable score of 94. The review highlights the difficulties faced during the 2013 growing season but praises the results achieved. "There was a big crop, and it was not easy, but it was possible to make great wines," the reviewer notes, quoting the winemaker’s reflections on the vintage.
The wine displays nutty aromas, indicating some development, which is partly attributed to the old vines and suitable rootstock used in production. Mercedes López de Heredia, a key figure at the winery, is quoted as saying, "[With] the old vines with the right rootstock, in the right soils, you can have more or less quality, but you're not going to have a disaster." This statement underscores the resilience and quality potential of their vineyards.
On the palate, the 2013 Viña Tondonia Blanco Reserva offers intense and pungent flavors, a velvety mouthfeel, and a vibrant core of acidity. The wine's finish is described as fine and chalky. Despite the challenges of the vintage, the winery's decision to lower yields and harvest earlier seems to have paid off. "They took risks, and I think they got it right," the reviewer opines.
The wine was bottled in April 2022, and the production was limited to 14,000 bottles. While it is acknowledged as a slightly weaker year, the wine still exhibits aging potential and stands out for its balance and complexity.
Overall, the 2013 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Blanco Reserva is a testament to skilled winemaking in challenging conditions, earning high praise from professional reviewers.