97 points James Suckling: "Extremely intense aromas of dried lemons, apples, limes and chalk. Full body, wonderful depth of fruit and density with bright acidity and a layered and rich palate. Yet remains vivid and fresh. Drink or hold. (7/17/15)"
97 points Sarah Jane Evans, MW (Decanter): "It's a real surprise just how suddenly these terrifically aged wines have become so fashionable. This gran reserva is magisterial: a combination of power and lean elegance. Forest-floor aromas, delicate and supple in the mouth and very long. And look at the alcohol! Drinking Window: 2016-2030. Alcohol 12%. (Mar 2016)"
96 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The 1994 Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva has an elegant bouquet with light red cherries, orange blossom, mahogany bureau and burnt buttered toast. The palate has a meaty, savory entry with crisp tannins and racy acidity. It displays superb structure towards the finish where one finds notes of bitter lemon, orange peel and sage. Delicious! Drink now-2030+. (Aug 2012)"
96 points Tim Atkin, MW: "'It’s too young for me,' says the ever-opinionated María José López de Heredia. 'I prefer the 1968.' She may be right, but this is still pretty special: light of touch but with impressive intensity and palate length, a mature Gran Reserva with layer upon layer of savoury, complex flavours, embellished by acidity. 2015-22."
96 points Falstaff Guide: "A delicate patina on the nose, laden with fresh fruit - currant jelly, raspberry leaves, iodine and fig. An almost weightless density to the palate thanks to very ripe tannin that creates a silky, molten background that's supported but never obscured by ripe acidity. There's a delicate flow to the palate, building subtly towards a delicately mineral finish. Despite the finesse, there is also some tannic impact. Great further ageing potential. (Jun 2016)"
95 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "(aged for nine years in American oak barrels and then held in bottle for a minimum of eight years before release) Brilliant red. A highly complex, expansive bouquet evokes cherry liqueur, pipe tobacco, incense, vanilla and woodsmoke, accompanied by hints of five-spice powder and licorice in the background. Sweet, expansive and seamless in texture, offering intense cherry-vanilla, spicecake and rose pastille flavors that deepen slowly as the wine opens up. Fully mature but with plenty of life left in it, this wine finishes impressively long, supple and sweet, displaying discreet tannins, resonating spiciness and suave florality. I reviewed this wine five years ago and am very happy to say that it has improved with additional bottle age. Drink: 2020-2035. (Jan 2017)"
Producer notes: "Tempranillo (75%), Garnacha (15%), Mazuelo and Graciano (10%), all from our own vineyards. 1994 recorded in the Rioja as an Excellent vintage. Colour: Vibrant red leading slightly towards amber. Nose: Light fresh texture with notes of vanilla and dried berry aromas. Taste: Rich, very dry, smooth, developed. Firm tannins and balance. Ageing period in barrels: 9 years, being racked twice a year and fined with fresh egg whites. Alcohol 12%. Food matching: Goes well with all meat dishes irrespective of their preparation. 1,500 cases produced."
97 points Sarah Jane Evans, MW (Decanter): "It's a real surprise just how suddenly these terrifically aged wines have become so fashionable. This gran reserva is magisterial: a combination of power and lean elegance. Forest-floor aromas, delicate and supple in the mouth and very long. And look at the alcohol! Drinking Window: 2016-2030. Alcohol 12%. (Mar 2016)"
96 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The 1994 Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva has an elegant bouquet with light red cherries, orange blossom, mahogany bureau and burnt buttered toast. The palate has a meaty, savory entry with crisp tannins and racy acidity. It displays superb structure towards the finish where one finds notes of bitter lemon, orange peel and sage. Delicious! Drink now-2030+. (Aug 2012)"
96 points Tim Atkin, MW: "'It’s too young for me,' says the ever-opinionated María José López de Heredia. 'I prefer the 1968.' She may be right, but this is still pretty special: light of touch but with impressive intensity and palate length, a mature Gran Reserva with layer upon layer of savoury, complex flavours, embellished by acidity. 2015-22."
96 points Falstaff Guide: "A delicate patina on the nose, laden with fresh fruit - currant jelly, raspberry leaves, iodine and fig. An almost weightless density to the palate thanks to very ripe tannin that creates a silky, molten background that's supported but never obscured by ripe acidity. There's a delicate flow to the palate, building subtly towards a delicately mineral finish. Despite the finesse, there is also some tannic impact. Great further ageing potential. (Jun 2016)"
95 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "(aged for nine years in American oak barrels and then held in bottle for a minimum of eight years before release) Brilliant red. A highly complex, expansive bouquet evokes cherry liqueur, pipe tobacco, incense, vanilla and woodsmoke, accompanied by hints of five-spice powder and licorice in the background. Sweet, expansive and seamless in texture, offering intense cherry-vanilla, spicecake and rose pastille flavors that deepen slowly as the wine opens up. Fully mature but with plenty of life left in it, this wine finishes impressively long, supple and sweet, displaying discreet tannins, resonating spiciness and suave florality. I reviewed this wine five years ago and am very happy to say that it has improved with additional bottle age. Drink: 2020-2035. (Jan 2017)"
Producer notes: "Tempranillo (75%), Garnacha (15%), Mazuelo and Graciano (10%), all from our own vineyards. 1994 recorded in the Rioja as an Excellent vintage. Colour: Vibrant red leading slightly towards amber. Nose: Light fresh texture with notes of vanilla and dried berry aromas. Taste: Rich, very dry, smooth, developed. Firm tannins and balance. Ageing period in barrels: 9 years, being racked twice a year and fined with fresh egg whites. Alcohol 12%. Food matching: Goes well with all meat dishes irrespective of their preparation. 1,500 cases produced."
| Product SKU | 313989 |
| Producer | López de Heredia |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Varietal | Other Red Blends |
| Designation | Gran Reserva |
| Vintage | 1994 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Blend | 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo |
| ABV | 12.0% |
| Ships To |
