López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Rioja Gran Reserva 1976

93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 1976 Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva is drinking beautifully as it nears age forty, wafting from the glass in a very complex and classic, red fruity blend of strawberries, cherries, cloves, nutskin, celery seed, coffee and a beautiful base of salty soil tones. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and velvety, with a lovely core, superb complexity, bright acids and a very long, suave and refined finish. There is just a whisper of melted tannin still to be found on the backend here, indicating that there are still decades of outstanding drinking ahead for the ’76 Tondonia Gran Reserva. 2016-2045+. (Jan/Feb 2017)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "Generous, lively and complex. This round red is still rich with fruit flavors of black cherry and plum, enhanced by cigar box, sandalwood and mineral notes that echo on the long, complex finish. Balanced, firm and fresh.--López de Heredia vertical. (2/28/02)"

92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Thirty years after the vintage the two 1976 Gran Reservas still fully express the qualities of their unique terroirs. The outstanding 1976 Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva offers a multitude of tertiary nuances in its suggestions of leather, licorice, coffee beans, earthiness and dried prunes on a medium-bodied frame of notable elegance. It is sweeter and riper than the Bosconia Gran Reserva, with a resonating note of alcoholic warmth that frames the long, lingering finish. Drink starting 2013. (Oct 2006)"