Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Tondonia Reserva Red 2003

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia
Label Name:
 
Rioja Tondonia Reserva Red
Vintage:
 
2003
Country:
 
Spain
Region:
 
Rioja (Haro)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
12.5%
Grape(s):
 
Tempranillo (majority), Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
18-20°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 95; Wine Enthusiast 91; Wine Spectator 91; Wine Advocate (WA) ~90. Contemporary reviewers note it as a powerful, very long Rioja from the hot 2003 vintage

Tasting Note
Dried cherry, plum, tobacco, cedar and balsamic notes with vanilla from old American oak; firm yet refined tannins, bright acidity and a long, spicy finish. Shows developed tertiary notes but retains vibrant fruit from the warm 2003 vintage.

Food Pairing
Roasted or grilled lamb, slow-roasted beef, charred ribeye, aged Manchego and cured meats; Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), char siu or soy‑braised beef, rich mushroom stir-fries, grilled yakitori (tare).

Production Method
Hand-harvested, fermented in large old American oak vats with native yeasts, matured ~6 years in used American oak (racked twice yearly), fined with fresh egg whites and bottled unfiltered.

Vineyard Info
Bodegas R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia — family-run, founded late 19th century; Viña Tondonia vineyard planted 1913–14 near the Ebro in Haro. Known for traditional methods and long barrel/bottle ageing.