Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo
150cl * 13% ABV * Rioja, Spain
Lopez de Heredia famously age all of its output far longer than their contemporaries - even their white wines - in order to develop the complex, oxidative aromas and flavours that come from extended maturation in oak and in bottle, and ensure that they are quite ready to drink. A deep garnet, with a fading rim indicative of its age, it requires a short decant to get the most out of it, but with air soft red cherry, vanilla, leather, olive, liquorice - its complexity knows no bounds. Relatively light for those accustomed to modern big and bold Rioja, but straddles somewhere in style between the Rhone and Burgundy. A long-lived, highly praised wine of which its devotees just can't get enough.
Magnums can often be written off as a party show stopper, which they are (sometimes, but magnums allow wine to age much slower than a normal bottle would adding complexity to the wine and some say a more harmonious balance to the wine when aged.
Viña Tondonia 2013 is an exquisite wine, showing an abundance of fruit, for an already 12 year old wine, but the aged qualities of this wine are starting to show as well, like leather, liquorice, cigar leaves, dried fruit forest floor and a wonderful umami character.
This wine will not disappoint and you'll be able to enjoy plenty in this magnum. Serve with a hearty Spanish dish or with a herbed rack of lamb.