Viña Tondonia Reserva 2014

Viña Tondonia Reserva is made by R. López de Heredia in Haro, Rioja Alta, a winery with well over a century of history and one of the most traditional in Spain. The blend is led by Tempranillo with Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuela from the estate's own vineyards on chalky clay and limestone soils. The cool, Atlantic-influenced climate of Rioja Alta gives slow ripening, naturally high acidity and moderate alcohol, here just 13%. This Reserva spends seventy-two months in American oak barrels, an unusually long ageing that drives a slow, oxidative evolution. Over those years the oak's vanillin and toasty compounds combine with the gradual softening of tannin and the development of leather, tobacco and savoury complexity that mark a mature traditional Rioja. The colour is ruby red turning to orange at the rim, a sign of its age. The nose layers ripe cherry and strawberry over vanilla, sweet spice, dried herbs, tobacco and leather, with a hint of coffee. The palate is elegant and medium bodied, with silky tannins, fresh acidity and a long, harmonious finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted if young. It pairs with roast lamb, game and mushroom dishes.