1994 Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby. Unformed nose. Still lots of acidity and good density. Deep and unformed with some gaminess. Still youthful. Relatively light. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A highly complex, expansive bouquet evokes cherry liqueur, pipe tobacco, incense, vanilla and woodsmoke, accompanied by hints of five-spice powder and licorice in the background. Sweet, expansive and seamless in texture, offering intense cherry-vanilla, spicecake and rose pastille flavors that deepen slowly as the wine opens up. Fully mature but with plenty of life left in it, this wine finishes impressively long, supple and sweet, displaying discreet tannins, resonating spiciness and suave florality. I reviewed this wine five years ago and am very happy to say that it has improved with additional bottle age. (JR)
Extremely intense aromas of dried lemons, apples, limes and chalk. Full body, wonderful depth of fruit and density with bright acidity and a layered and rich palate. Yet remains vivid and fresh.
This wine had so much more richness and life on the nose than the two grand clarets at about the same price poured alongside (Chapelle de la Mission 2007 and Gruaud Larose 2003). A touch gamey after all those years in American oak but without any trace of decay. Admirable freshness but the wine does seem to have passed its peak. (JR)