2007 Tondonia Tinto Reserva, Lopez de Heredia, Rioja, Spain

“Following the appreciation of the 2007 vintage from María José López de Heredia, the red 2007 Viña Tondonia Reserva is showing great, revealing unusual finesse and elegance. The nose is a little reticent but nuanced and complex, a little shy rather than explosive. The palate is medium-bodied, and the tannins are very refined. This has to be one of the finest vintages of Viña Tondonia Reserva of recent years.” Luis Gutierrez, The Wine Advocate – 96 Points.

López de Heredia have managed to pull off not one, two or even three but now four absolutely superb vintages in a row. The wonderful consistency and sheer quality of this wine make it a very easy decision to buy, not least because this is one of a handful of fine wines in the world that continues to over-deliver hugely on its price point.

The 2007 has a fine, elegant nose of fresh red cherry fruit and sweet spice. The wine has a lifted bouquet, perfumed with exotic hints of pot pourri, raspberry tea and red liquorice. The depths of the bouquet are seriously impressive; you could mull over these aromas for hours. When you do feel inclined to broach the palate, it is immediately apparent that this is a wine with a huge future ahead of it. The acidity is astonishing – it is one of López de Heredia’s trademark characteristics – yet it is the complexity and maturity of the flavours, combined with this freshness, that is truly inspirational. And then there is the finish: such an enduring, mouthcoating, intense finish. The concentration is hugely impressive, leaving a timeless, scented-yet-savoury impression in the mouth, long after the last sip. Whilst this has the mature characteristics to enjoy now, the acidity and fine, but present, tannins suggest that this will last for decades to come. Drink 2022-2050 (and probably much longer). Catriona Felstead MW