Rioja Reserva Tondonia Lopez de Heredia 2004 (750ML)

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

96 Points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous: "The 2004 Viña Tondonia comes from vines planted in the Tondón meander in Rioja Alta and was aged extensively in American oak. Remarkably, it retains great vitality despite its age. The élevage pushes the aromatics toward classic bouquet territory, with dried herbs, coconut and cinnamon, while the oak remains astonishingly pristine. On the nose, subtle notes of pine and forest herbs add complexity. Silky and expansive on the palate, the wine shows fine tannins (this bottle was a magnum) and impressive aromatic lift. A beautifully resolved Tondonia. (Drink between 2026-2050)" 04/26