1994 R. López de Heredia Rioja Blanco Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (2/8/2020)
Ordered off a list and not decanted. Nose of fino sherry, lemon oil, almonds, smoke, cloves, and a tiny hint of citrus. Light to medium body with nice acidity and balance. Loads of yellow fruits with a salty, nutty overlay. Flavor profile aside, this had the verve of a much younger wine but also had that textbook LdH blanco waxiness. Not as weighty as some other LdH whites I’ve had. This has a long way to go before it gets tired. A perfect pairing for our seafood and chicken paella. (93 pts.)
2011 La Pousse d’Or Corton-Clos du Roi - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton Grand Cru (2/9/2020)
Initially so earthy and tannic with mouthwatering acidity. After an hour, the fruit picked up major weight. Nose began with damp soil and minerality but shifted to primarily ripe sour cherry then earth. The palate has linear, tart cherry fruit and incredible transparency of site. Still fairly tannic as well. One of the most mineral and earthy (but not funky) red burgs I’ve had in a while. Although it lacks the concentration of the best vintages, this should be really excellent in five years if the fruit holds on. (92 pts.)