López de Heredia Rioja Viña Tondonia Reserva 2002

94 points Falstaff: "A closed, chocolaty aroma. Firmly attacking in the mouth, taut, slightly sharp tannins, but therefore very lively and fresh. Lots of juice in the background, aromatic potential only beginning to open up. Firmly built wine, but without aggression or over-extraction. Very good length and very classic in style. (Mar 2014)"

93 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "Colour: Ruby, brick rim edge. Aroma: balanced, complex, ripe fruit, spicy, balsamic herbs, fine reductive notes. Flavour: good structure, flavourful, round tannins, elegant;. (Jul 2014)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "Silky and racy, this traditional-style red delivers dried cherry, tobacco, orange peel, vanilla and spice flavors that mingle over light, firm tannins, fueled by crisp acidity. Not a big wine, but has energy and length. (7/23/14)"

91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(75% tempranillo, 15% garnacha, 5% graciano and 5% mazuelo): Vivid ruby. Musky red fruits, cherry, pipe tobacco and a hint of vanilla on the fragrant nose. Juicy and tightly focused, offering tangy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of candied rose. Finishes on a tangy note, with a hint of blood orange, repeating florality and silky tannins coming up late. This is ready to drink but I wouldn't be surprised to see it age gracefully. (Sep/Oct 2014)"

91 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "[$53 list] The 2002 Vina Tondonia Reserva is a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho and 10% between Mazuelo and Graciano sourced from their Tondonia vineyard located in a large meander of the Ebro River on the outskirts of Haro. It is aged for six years in used barrels, racked twice per year during its upbringing and fined with egg whites before being bottled unfiltered. It has a slightly reduced nose that benefits from air contact, with shy aromas of cherries in liqueur, tea leaves, fine leather, game, blood, spice box and cigar ash, showing some evolution. The light to medium-bodied palate is balanced, with high acidity, but perhaps a little fragile, showing the difficulties of the vintage, as 2002 was a very difficult year in Rioja. 250,000 bottles were produced. (Dec 2013)"

Producer notes: "Tempranillo 75%, Garnacha 15%, Graciano and Mazuelo 10%, all from estate vineyards. 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 good balance. Food pairing: Goes well with all meat dishes. A perfect partner to a leg of lamb stuffed with wild garlic, rosemary and achovies. Alcohol 12.5%."