R. López de Heredia: ‘A Rioja Time Capsule’ – Vinous

R. López de Heredia

‘A Rioja Time Capsule’ – Vinous

If you only want to buy from one more producer this year – buy López de Heredia. Their wines are mystical, ethereal and bloody delicious. And the value for these preciously and perfectly aged wines is second to none.

Visiting them earlier this year solidified their place as one of the greatest producers in the world. Like Neal Martin said, we too have ‘adored, indeed occasionally worshipped, the wines of López de Heredia for many years’.

The new vintages have landed and their calling card, Viña Tondonia Reserva 2012, is brilliant! ‘It has a textbook Tondonia nose and profile’ (WA) with a complex bouquet of red and black berries, tobacco smoke, Spanish spices, cedar forest feel, polished tannins and a long, salty, chalky finish. As ever, it feels youthful even after 12 years of ageing prior to release, and John Gilman’s drinking window goes to 2075, yet delicious for immediate enjoyment. Also available in magnums – perfect for the festive season!

R. López de Heredia: ‘A Rioja Time Capsule’ – Vinous

The main difference between López de Heredia and the rest of Rioja is their ultra-traditional approach to winemaking. Tempranillo is blended with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, producing lighter, hauntingly complex reds. The grapes are also picked at lower alcohols and aged far longer than the appellation dictates.

The Tondonia vineyard was first established between 1913 and 1914 by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta. It’s a 100ha parcel that grows next to the Ebro River, with different varieties planted in separate plots within the larger vineyard.

Please let jolette@winecellar.co.za know if you're interested in receiving an allocation of the rare Gran Reservas, sold in mixed cases of 24 bottles.

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