Lopez de Heredia is one of the legendary producers from Rioja in Spain. They are known for their traditional Rioja wine making style. The winery has a total of 170 hectares of vineyards in Rioja, divided into 4 different vineyars; Tondonia, Cubillo, Bosconia and Gravonia. The largest and also the most famous is the Tondonia vineyard, The vineyard is 70 hectares.

The 2001 Vina Tondonia is from a legendary vintage in Rioja. After 2000, this is by far the best vintage. In my opinion the next best is the 2004. The 2001 wine consists of a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 10% Graciano and Mazuelo.The alcohol level on this wine is 13%.

Tasting note on the 2001 Lopez de Heredia Rioja Vina Tondonia Reserva

The nose offers strawberries, vanilla and spices. The palate follows up the nose. Strawberries, vanilla, spices. The finnish offers some additional sour cherries. The palate is meaty and juicy. 89 points

This is a good wine, but I was underwhelmed. It disappointed me a bit. It was very pleasent, but bored me a bit, thus the short tasting note. It's hard to explain, but the best way is probably that there wasn't any wow factor there.