TN: 2013 Lopez de Heredia Tondonia Blanco

WINE TALK
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I was lucky to track down 6 of this year’s release so I opened one and thought I’d share the note.

  • 2013 R. López de Heredia Rioja Blanco Reserva Viña Tondonia - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (7/22/2025)
    Double decanted about 3 hours prior to this note. Deeper golden color than I recall from prior vintages on release. Apple peel, bruised apple, candle wax, nutty toffee, and butterscotch on the nose. More vanilla and butterscotch on the palate at first, this has now opened up to reveal more nutty and apple-y oxidative notes, with taut citrus and stony mineral accents. Very young but very fine, and a real star with food—pesto pasta tonight, but this would go with just about everything.

Posted from CellarTracker

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Great note thank you. I also found a couple that are tucked away in the dark so I appreciate the early look.

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Just hitting Atlanta right now. Picked up a couple for $70.

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That’s a great price. I’d buy 6 more at that price.

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For ATL folks, Wahoo still has 6 bottles at $68.

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very much appreciate this note too, Matt, much thanks. I have a chance to get my hands on some 14s next week and will aim to add them to my cellar.

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14’s finally starting to trickle into the market? I will have to keep my eyes peeled!

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You’re welcome! The 14s have started arriving in Wisconsin at least and I’ve been able to track down 5 so far.

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A small liquor store where I used to live erroneously received 9 bottles of 2012 Tondonia Blanco and priced it at regular retail, $69.99. When I saw it I night two bottles right away, and the rest ended up sitting on the shelf for months. Eventually when I went back much later to grab some more, it had all sold. I regret not buying all 9 bottles immediately…now I can’t find it anywhere in person, and prices online are ridiculous ($150 and up now).

I cherish the one bottle I have left and plan on keeping it in my cellar for the foreseeable future. Wish I had some more on hand to open.

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I’ve been buying from my local shop since the 2009 vintage, and every time the wine was around $60 until they finally caught on recently and raised the 2013 to around $90 if I remember right. I still buy when i get the chance, its hard to track down otherwise. I wish it was still gonna be $60 moving forward but what are you gonna do! The wine is incredible and worth the premium IMO

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I bought 3 bottles on release. Haven’t opened any yet. All 13’s. I do have some of the 11’s as well that I will be opening before the end of the year.

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From a value perspective. What is the next best alternative to the Lopez Tondonia Blanco. The price for the Lopez is not crazy but is still creeping…thought there may be an alternative at a tempting price point? Thoughts?

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Many people have way more experience than me on this topic but in terms of style the only real answer I have is Gravonia. Its way easier to find and usually at a much lower price point and it delivers all the characteristics of the LdH style just a little fresher. I like both equally

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Agreed

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You should bury them for at least 10 years.