Lopez de Heredia 2013 Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva Magnum 1.5L

Tasting Notes

The 2013 R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva is an exceptional, ultra-traditional Spanish red wine that benefits beautifully from the larger 1.5-liter magnum format, which promotes slower, more graceful oxygen evolution over time. This vintage is built on a textbook Rioja Alta blend composed of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 5% Mazuelo, and 5% Graciano grown in the unique, calcareous clay soils of the Tondonia meander. Masterfully aged for six years in neutral American oak barrels and settled extensively before release, this medium-bodied classic reveals a dark ruby color transitioning to a brick-amber rim in the glass. On the nose, it offers a beautifully complex and delicate bouquet of red and black cherries, dried flowers, wild herbs, and game, accented by tertiary notes of balsamic, saddle leather, sweet spices, tobacco leaf, and subtle cedar. The palate is defined by a savory, nervous energy, showcasing lively, zesty acidity and highly polished, supple tannins that provide a chalky grip. It unravels layers of sour pomegranate, dried plum, earthy minerals, black tea, and a touch of dill, culminating in an elegant, enduring finish.

The lean, high-acid profile and dry tannic framework of this 2013 Reserva make it a brilliant companion for food, slicing through rich proteins while matching earthy aromatics. It pairs exquisitely with classic Spanish tapas like jamón ibérico and aged Manchego cheese, as well as hearty, slow-cooked meat dishes. It is particularly sublime alongside a rosemary and garlic-crusted roast leg of lamb, grilled beef, or a whole roasted chicken prepared with thyme and dried herbs. For vegetarian options, the wine's savory undertones pair seamlessly with a rich mushroom ragù over pasta or deeply charred, grilled porcini mushrooms.

Critical Acclaim

96pts James Suckling

95pts Wine Advocate

The 2013 López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva has garnered widespread critical acclaim, lauded by experts as a masterclass in triumphing over a highly challenging, cool, and rainy vintage. Joaquin Hidalgo of Vinous Media awarded the wine an impressive 97 points, calling it a "benchmark classic" that offers restrained black fruit, wild herbs, balsamic hints, and sweet spices alongside a chalky grip and layered tertiary finish. James Suckling bestowed a 96-point rating, highlighting its appealing fleshiness, highly polished and enveloping tannins, and an ethereal, nervy fruit profile that is drinkable now but carries the necessary structure to evolve beautifully. Concurrently, Luis Gutiérrez of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the vintage 95 points, describing the canonical red as having an evocative nose of dried roses and tar that transitions into a classic mosaic of mushrooms, truffles, damp earth, decayed leaves, and spice.uarding its vibrant acidity and complex tertiary depth for decades to come.

1.5L