96 Points JS Trademark Lopez Heredia Tondonia finesse in a refined, oxidative way. White mushrooms, macadamia, dried lemons, sweet spices and stones. Clear, precise and bright on the medium-bodied palate with lovely acidity and a long finish that will help it age. Elegant. Viura with around 20% malvasia.

96 Points Vinous The 2014 Blanco Riserva Viña Tondonia is a blend of 90% Viura and 10% Malvasía from Haro, Rioja. Aged at least six years in foudres and two in the bottle, it has a golden hue with aromas of lemon peel, herbs, light resin and nutty hints over subtly integrated oak. Delicate and compact, with a fine chalkiness and a long, saline finish, this is a white that seamlessly marries supple texture and electric acidity.

A rarity in Rioja, Lopez de Heredia uses only estate bottled fruit from their prized vineyards with the idea that the only way to get the best fruit is to care for the vines themselves. The Tondonia vineyard is their most famous; it is situated in a shell-shaped depression on the right bank of the river Ebro, where the most typical Rioja wines are grown. The soil is alluvial clay with a high proportion of limestone. Average vine age is 45 years old and organic farming and natural fermentations are implemented, creating wines that exhibit great terroir. Grapes from Viña Tondonia are always used in making their highest quality wines, with truly exceptional vintages becoming Gran Reservas. The first Reserva was bottled by the founder in 1890.