2011 Lopez de Heredia 'Viña Tondonia' Rioja, Spain (375ml)

Lopez de Heredia's Rioja's have amazing ageability. The 2011 in 375ml is mature but very healthy, with a garnet red center transitioning to an amber rim. The nose has fresh texture with notes of vanilla and dried berry aromas. The palate is elegant, very dry, smooth, and developed. Finishes with firm tannins and good balance.

For 142 years, four generations of the López de Heredia family have devoted themselves to producing exceptional and unique wines. Masterpieces which have achieved that which the founder of the company, Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, defined in the late nineteenth century as the "Supreme Rioja". Vineyard care, a scrupulous selection of grapes, aging in oak barrels in the heart of deep underground galleries, and the longer aging in bottles, all contribute to making these illustrious wines with their exceptional bouquet.

The Tondonia vineyard has to be is the most spectacular in Haro. Situated in a shell-like depression next to the River Ebro which serves as a border with Rioja Alavesa (the part of the Rioja appellation region belonging to the Basque Country), it is characterized by poplar trees. The soil is alluvial clay with a high proportion of limestone. The vineyards, cared for with enthusiasm and love, cover a total area of 170 hectares and produce an average annual yield of some 800,000 kg of grapes.