MAGNUMS En Primeur 6x150cl In Bond
"Tim Atkin MW 97/100
'Tondonia's reds have been on an upward curve recently and are now at the same level as the bodega's world-class whites. This is a fine, elegant, savoury, low-alcohol blend combining summer berry fruit, racy acidity, granular tannins and an earthy, balsamic undertone. Good now, but this will develop further in bottle'. 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 10% Graciano and Mazuelo."
Founded in 1877 by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, Bodegas López de Heredia is one of Rioja's most distinguished houses, sharing the limelight in Haro with Muga, La Rioja Alta and CVNE. Still family controlled with an unswerving focus on releasing the most traditional styles of Rioja they release bottled aged wines that combine beautiful maturity with wonderful freshness and vigour. The Bodega itself is a tardis with extraordinary galleries of bottled wine slumbering away, awaiting the moment they are deemed ready for release. November 2020 will see the 2008 being distributed to these shores, yet will still only be at the beginning of its drinking window. The family's wines are to be treasured and should not be missed for their wonderful complexity and their astonishing ability to age - their 1964 Gran Reserva Blanco remains in perfect condition and is one of life's truly great experiences!
2008 was rated a 'very good' vintage in Rioja. Plenty of rain in the spring was followed by a mild and dry summer, resulting in good vine growth and healthy grapes. The high quality of the fruit was aided by the excellent weather conditions in the run-up to harvest which led to near perfect berries and wonderfully balanced flavours in the grapes. Picking started at Tondonia on 9th October.
