R. LOPEZ DE HEREDIA Rioja Tinto 'Vina Tondonia' Reserva DOCa 2014 HALF (37.5cl)

Description

R. López de Heredia is the undisputed bastion of ultra-traditional Rioja winemaking, and their Viña Tondonia Reserva is an iconic benchmark for the region. Sourced from the spectacular, alluvial-soiled Tondonia vineyard situated in a meander of the River Ebro, this wine undergoes an extraordinary ageing process. It rests for six years in old, handcrafted American oak barrels, enduring biannual racking by gravity, before further maturation in the bottle.

The 2014 vintage, a year noted for yielding wines of tremendous elegance and balance, is a masterclass in classic Rioja character. In the glass, it displays a characteristic bright ruby colour fading to a distinct brick-garnet rim. The nose is a captivating, savoury aromatic journey, offering complex layers of dried cherry, wild strawberry, and dried rose petal, seamlessly intertwined with signature notes of cigar box, fine leather, damp earth, and antique wood.

On the palate, it is remarkably elegant and medium-bodied. A vibrant, hallmark acidity acts as the wine’s spine, carrying the dried fruit and autumnal flavours effortlessly across the tongue. The tannins are exquisitely fine and resolved, leading to a long, beautifully nuanced, and decidedly savoury finish that lingers indefinitely.

JAMES SUCKLING 96 points/100
Leather, subtle caramel, thyme and a touch of dried flowers. Medium- to full-bodied with length and concentration. Very crisp and focused, with tender fruit. Already showing significant evolution. Drink now.
Jacobo García Andrade, Senior Editor

THE WINE ADVOCATE 95 points/100
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
Drink Date: 2026 - 2045
The very pretty red 2014 Viña Tondonia Reserva is stunning. The blend this year is 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho and the rest Graciano and Mazuelo. It matured in the old oak vats and well-seasoned American oak barrels for eight years and has 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.3 and 6.7 grams of acidity. María José told me she noticed the alcohol here compared with other vintages, but I found the wine to be really balanced, combining power and elegance, with energy and a polished and elegant palate. They have been bottling all the wines a little later than in the past, which was partly done intentionally but also because of circumstances, like availability of bottles or logistics related to COVID-19, etc. 300,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2022.

VINOUS 93 points/100
Drinking window: 2026 - 2040
Clear bouquet development defines the 2014 Reserva Viña Tondonia, aged for six years in American oak and bottled in November 2022. On the nose, soft herbs, underbrush and dried cherry unfold over a lightly grippy oak frame. The palate is vibrant and energetic, capturing the house style through subtle firmness and freshness that support the structure.
Joaquín Hidalgo, April 2026