Rioja Reserva Tondonia Lopez de Heredia 2004 (1.5L)

94 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "Dried mango, pineapple and lemon aromas with hints of cream follow through to a full body, lightly tannic texture and a long and flavorful finish. Vanilla at the end. Love the experience. Drink now." 07/17

94 Points, Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2004 Viña Tondonia Reserva is a completely different story. It is a worthy follower of the 2001, the greatest of the Viña Tondonia Reservas of recent times. It has the usual blend and usual levels of alcohol and acidity, bottled after six years in oak barrels. The nose feels savory (if that's possible–umami?) and developed, with tertiary aromas and good balance between spices, leathery notes, cherries and balsamic notes of cigar box and incense. The palate is both round and crisp, with refined tannins. It has very good balance with subtle acidity and very good persistence. 260,000 bottles produced." 04/15

93 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "(aged for six years in American oak barrels) Deep red. Exotic, oak-spiced red berry liqueur, dried cherry and vanilla aromas are complemented by a smoky overtone. Sweet and pliant in the mouth, displaying a velvety texture to the plush black raspberry, cherry-vanilla and coconut flavors. Shows no rough edges and picks up a suave floral note with air, finishing with excellent clarity, a hint of allspice and round, harmonious tannins." 04/17