1981 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva (750ml)

Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain

B-21 Top Recommendation
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A Rioja lover’s dream assortment, these traditionally styled selections from Lopez de Heredia come from one of the region’s most esteemed Bodegas with over a century of expertise as grower-producers, their legendary, long-lived Riojas released only after lengthy aging in their famously moldy and cobweb-laced cellars, perfect for mixing a case or two at a price that “seems like a steal” according to Wine and Spirits.

As the last remaining family-run Bodegas in Rioja, winemaking at Lopez de Heredia has remained remarkably unchanged since its inception in 1877, crafting its wines in the Vina Tondonia winery in Haro with only estate-grown fruit, fermenting with natural yeasts and aging for extended periods in wood before bottling without filtration and further aging in the bottle. Three well aged white Riojas sourced from old vine Viura planted at around 450 meters above sea level, the 93 pt. 2015 Lopez de Heredia Gravonia Blanco was matured for four years in well-seasoned American oak barrels, while the 93 pt. 2011 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Blanco Reserva and the 95 pt. 1981 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Blanco Gran Reserva spent six years in used American barrels, each of the whites revealing complex oxidative aromas and finely etched acidity that will continue to evolve for a decade or more. Two bargain priced red Riojas composed of mostly Tempranillo, the fresh and juicy 94 pt. 2014 Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Tinto Crianza comes from the high altitude 24-hectare Vina Cubillas vineyard at 410 meters and was aged 3 years in well-seasoned American oak barrels then transferred to larger neutral casks before bottling, while the 95 pt. 2011 Lopez de Heredia Vina Reserva Bosconia comes from the El Bosque vineyard next to the river Ebro at an altitude of 465 meters and was matured in used American oak barrels for five years, both ready to enjoy over the next several years. Three exceptional Riservas sourced from the Vina Tondonia vineyard situated in a shell-like depression alongside the Ebro River, the 96 pt. 2001 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva, the 94 pt. 2004 Vina Tondonia Reserva and the 96 pt. 2005 Vina Tondonia Reserva are blends of mostly Tempranillo with Garnacho, Graciano and Mazuelo, aged for six years in used American oak and boasting fragrant concentrated fruit and polished tannins. Available in a range of formats, the powerful 97 pt. 2010 Vina Tondonia Reserva “shows a tad more depth” according to James Suckling, earning it the #8 spot on his Top 100 Wines of Spain 2022. Two Gran Reservas blends of mostly Tempranillo aged in used barrels for 10 years, the stunning 98 pt. 2001 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva is declared “a great wine” by James Suckling and the well-aged 95 pt. 1981 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva is a “wonderful Rioja” according to Vinous critic Neal Martin, each promising another three decades of evolution.

Summing up the long-lived aging potential of each of these Lopez de Heredia selections, critic Neal Martin declares “a bottle of Lopez de Heredia is an individual and each time you meet, you may see a different side to its personality,” reflecting the pure authenticity, remarkable ageability and striking complexity of these top vintages and promising pleasurable drinking ahead for Rioja fans and Spanish wine collectors who act quickly to secure their picks from this value packed offer.

95WA

93V

The 1981 Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva has a vibrant nose reminiscent of coeval Burgundy, with scents of citrus peel, orange rind, singed leather and a Tuscan delicatessen. The palate has a penetrating orange peel and tart cherry entry with potent earthy notes at its core. It is supremely well-balanced with an energetic finish underpinned by crisp dry tannins. This wonderful Rioja is drinking perfectly now and will age effortlessly. Drink now-2020+

95 points, Neal Martin, Wine Advocate (Issue # 202 - Aug 2012)

Light red. Strawberry, dried cherry, vanilla, rose oil and cigar box on the highly perfumed nose. Silky red fruit, spicecake and floral pastille flavors are braced by juicy acidity, which adds lift and clarity. The vanilla and floral notes return on a very long, smooth, smoke-tinged finish that features just a hint of fine-grained tannins. This wine was previously reviewed in September 1998 and in November 1999.

93 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous (May 2017)

#ESLOPE81AE

$349.98

Compare At: $399.99

10 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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