. s S Al MUCHO GUSTO 2011 TONDONIA RELEASE 95JS “Powerful, with the finesse of Tondonia” Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate Declared “the poster child for traditional Rioja winemaking” by Vinous critic Josh Raynolds, Rioja lovers and collectors know Lopez de Heredia as one of the region’s top producers of age worthy Rioja, the powerful 95 pt. 2011 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva offering dark, ripe spiced fruit and muscular, well integrated tannins released ready to enjoy over the next decade or more, reaffirming the Bodega's reign as the top producer of traditionally styled Rioja and incredibly priced to over deliver value. Located in the town of Haro in a region defined by its historic estates, the tradition-bound Lopez de Heredia has remained relatively unchanged for the nearly 150 years since its founding, releasing their Riojas only when deemed ready after a decade or longer of aging in their legendary vaulted cellars. Accessed through a labyrinth of underground corridors and staircases, some dating back over a century, the massive mold and cobweb-laced cellars of Lopez de Heredia stretch over the length of two football fields, home to well-aged oak vats ranging from 60 up to 640 hectoliters (nearly 17,000 gallons) that are the "secret sauce" of their wines. Pioneering the single vineyard wine in the region, the traditions of Lopez de Heredia are continued by fourth generation Maria Jose Lopez de Heredia, the estate manager described as “a force of nature” by the Wine Spectator’s Gillian Sciaretta, and her sister Mercedes who leads the winemaking. A rarity in Rioja, Lopez de Heredia uses only estate bottled fruit from their own vineyards, sourcing the 2011 Vina Tondonia Reserva from the spectacular 100 plus hectare vineyard of the same name, situated in a shell-like depression next to the river Ebro along the border of Rioja Alavesa and planted with Tempranillo vines averaging over 40 years of age with some over 100 years. After co-fermenting the blend of mostly Tempranillo with Garnacha and small amounts of Graciano and Mazuelo, the robust 2011 Tondonia Reserva was aged for six years in custom crafted American oak barrels, half of which were seasoned for over 10 years, exerting a nuanced, integrated influence of oak before being bottled unfiltered and undergoing the extended aging that is key to their signature style, enhancing aromas and smoothing tannins. Described as “one of Rioja’s most proudly traditional wines” by critic Tim Atkins and epitomizing “timeless, artisan winemaking” according to Vinous critic Neal Martin, Rioja lovers and collectors of age worthy Spanish reds know to stock up on the classically styled 95 pt. 2011 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva and enjoy this expertly crafted Rioja over the next decade and beyond, a worthy testament to the timeless practices of this renowned estate and an equally impressive value. FEATURED WINE 95 points, James Suckling (Sep 2022) 2011 LOPEZ DE HEREDIA VINA TONDONIA RESERVA 750ML A traditional beauty that effuses iron, warm earth and savory tobacco leaves, together with plums, spices and orange zest. This is juicy and still tight, with firm but savory tannins. Medium-weight and... 95 points, James Suckling (Sep 2022) Reg: $44.99 E-Code "ESAVE": $39.98 Expires Monday, December 4, 2023. Manage my Orders   Follow on Twitter   Like on Facebook Copyright © 2023 B-21 Wine Company, All rights reserved.