2009 R. Lopez Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva Blanco [JS97][V95][D92]

Producer: R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Region: Rioja Alta, Rioja, Spain Blend: 90% Viura, 10% Malvasia Year: 2009  James Suckling, 97 Points  "Sweet berries, cherries, cedar and dried flowers on the nose. Some lemon and lime zest, too! Medium-to full-bodied with tight, integrated tannins that show wonderful length and reserve. So fresh and vivid. Lots of energy. A wonderful, classic wine. Drink or hold."  Vinous, 95 Points  "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 topknot 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 experience of decadence and vibrancy.  Finishes very long, chewy and precise, showing firm minerality and spicy cut