Lopez de Heredia 2008 Half Bottle Reserva Vina Tondonia

*375 ML. This is a wonderful Rioja, that spent 5 years in barrels up to 30 years old. The nose shows a heady mix of plum, red and black candied cherry, dill, tar, spice, barrel spice, earth, anise, and dusty cellar. The palate is moderate in weight with that quite pretty red and black cherry, plum, earth and tar, dill and barrel spice, and even some dried lavender. D&M Tasting Notes

The nose of the 2008 Viña Tondonia Reserva is very elegant, fresh and with an herbal twist, starting to show the complexity of the aged wines that are sometimes still too young when they are released 10+ years from the vintage! The palate is medium-bodied, with lightness and depth, very classical with extra freshness and all that is needed for a long development in bottle. This is the more Tondonia of the two vintages I tasted side by side. There are notes of maple syrup, smoke, licorice and crisp fruit. The palate is more austere, crunchy and reveals the chalkiness of the soils. There's more definition and precision here. 95 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate.