Vintage Wine
1981 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja DOCa Spain
$349.99 USD
Press
Rated 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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. (NM)
Rated 93 points Vinous
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. (JR)
Rated 95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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. (NM)
Rated 93 points Vinous
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. (JR)