2009 Vina Tondonia Reserva Blanco
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Tasting notes
Limpid gold. Powerful, mineral-accented aromas of dried orchard and pit fruits, brown butter, coconut, beeswax, chamomile and lemon pith are sharpened by a suggestion of candied ginger. Deeply concentrated pear skin, peach pit, orange marmalade, vanilla and toasted nut flavors pick up a smoky top note as the wine opens up. There's a lot here that reminds me of an aged Sauternes, but the acidity is fresh, giving the wine an intriguing push–pull expression of decadence and vibrancy. Finishes very long, chewy and precise, showing firm mineral and spicy cut and a touch of saltiness. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
2009 was a very warm year, and the 2009 Viña Tondonia Blanco Reserva, produced with Viura and 10% Malvasía Riojana from vines averaging 61 years of age, shows ripe and has more evolved aromas with honeyed notes, caramel, Earl Grey tea and a volatile whiff like it's more advanced. The palate feels more complete, with the textbook pungent flavors of fungus, diesel and wet chalk, and it's lighter than what I expected for a warm and dry year. This matured in well-seasoned, neutral American oak barrels for six years. I'd drink this before the 2008. This feels ready. 15,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2018.
Intense aromas of cooked lemon, dried apple, light vanilla and stone with some waxy and lanolin character. Full-bodied with a dense, layered palate with beautiful fruit, nougat and meringue at the finish. Really opens out. Unique. Drink now.