Last night I decided to open a Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia 2010 to pair with a lovely Galician ribeye.
I was a little cautious to open this as I had the 2012 last year and it was complex yet rather acidic and unbalanced.
However, this wine was much better. Upon opening, the aromas were fairly closed but did exhibit cherry oak and a little spice. I poured a small taster and in the glass it was a ruby colour with brick rim. The picture makes it look darker than it actually was.
The sip I tried before decanting was surprisingly open and drinkable. An hour decant then allowed the nose to fully open and display a mix of red cherry, earth, vanilla, spice and truffles.
On the palate it was simply beautiful. Elegant, smooth and completely balanced. There was gentle acidity but not overwhelming at all. The palate matched the nose except with a little more black fruits mixed in too. The tannins were present but fine and well integrated.
Over a few hours it evolved constantly, becoming more acidic and then relaxing. Spice and orange peel would appear then fade away. I was very impressed with the structure of the wine. Smooth and rounded without being too light or watery. A real delight and the medium finish was gentle yet pleasant.
This vintage is in a beautiful place and if you have a 2010 give it an open soon. It’s a QPR monster and great with food. Now I understand the Tondonia hype!
£38/$50 paid
94 points
by Manzilla48
10 Comments
I had a similar experience with the 2012. I‘m glad you enjoyed the 10
Looks great!
Also, I appreciate you giving us a rating and the price.
Cheers m8 🥂
Had the same experience with my first Tondonia, wonder if it was a 2012 as well. Never tasted a red so acidic. Maybe I need to give it another go.
Glad to hear re: this vintage! I haven’t loved much of the Tondonia after 2006 or 2008 or so but this is encouraging.
Just bought the 2011 can’t wait to pop it open
Had the same problem with a 2012. Strange! Enjoy your 2010! Do you think it’d further improve?
Had a 2010 bosconia this weekend, and it was singing. Great vintage for rioja!
2010 was an excellent vintage. The 2012 will be great in time as well (it’s fine right now for my tastes, but I prefer higher acid in my wines).
Had the same issue with the 2012 just last month, glad to know it’s not just me
Thought I’d never try another Tondonia after my 2012 disaster, but this vintage proved me wrong – the balance in this is stunning with the ribeye. Might need to track down a 2011 now that I know the good ones exist.