TN: 1947 Lopez Heredia Tondonia Gran Reserva

WINE TALK
1

Medium ruby and bricking at the rim. Ethereal and complex bouquet of black cherries, cinnamon, cloves, earth, smoke and tangerine peel. The perfume on this is astounding, and was still going strong after three hours. Elegant, full and deep on the palate, with layers of flavor made more complex with notes of spice and nuts. Acid and tannins are well integrated, and there is a subtle hint of tangerine peel that lingers in the mouth on a silky, long finish. Such is the balance of this wine that one gets the impression that there is nothing out of place. While this is at its peak, well-stored bottles are in no danger of decline, and will continue to drink well for years to come. A great, great bottle. Along with the 1949 Leroy Chambertin and Musigny, my wines of the year.

2

Wow! Reminds me of this: 1942 Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial.

3

My WOTY is the '64 Tondonia - incredible perfume, purity, elegance and energy. I can still remember the nose and palate vividly 6 months later. Thanks for the note.

4

1947 is a year in which great wines were made. Tondonia, CVNE Imperial and Marques de Riscal crafted some of the best riojas ever.

Regarding Heredia, the 1942 and 64 Tondonia GR, 64 Tondonia GR white, 1913 Blanco Plantación, Tondonia Medoquia and the 54 and 64 Bosconia GR are also amongst the great wines of the house

In the case of Murrieta look for YGAY 1925, 1934, 1942, 1964 or the 1940 and 1946 YGAY Blanco. Etiqueta Blanca from 1948 and 1954 can also be otherworldy

BTW, if you’re interested in rioja, you should look check the book The Finest Wines of Rioja & Northwest Spain by Luis Gutierrez, Jesús Barquín and Victor de la Serna.

5

Wow, thanks for the vicarious thrill. I really love older LdH, although never had one that old.

Thanks again for the great note

6

Mmmmmmmmmm! Rioja. It’s definitely the right dirt for tempranillo. The only older one I’ve tried is the 64 Ygay. It was one of the finest wines I’ve ever had the pleasure to sample.

I also have the book “The Finest Wines of Rioja & Northwest Spain by Luis Gutierrez, Jesús Barquín and Victor de la Serna.” It’s an easy read that gives an educational overview of the area and addresses many of the producers and their wines. Good book. 18.5/20, 4 Stars, 95 points, Fine Plus.

David [drinkers.gif]

7

Terrific! A wine right in my and my wine group’s wheelhouse. We drink these wines as often as we can. Thanks for the note. I’ll look for one…