Trio of Blancos from Lopez de Heredia: '02 + '03 Gravonia, '91 Tondonia

WINE TALK
1
  • 2003 R. López de Heredia Rioja Blanco Crianza Viña Gravonia - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (9/1/2013)
    Light golden color. Nose shows oxidative notes, nuts, chicken stock. The palate is waxy, medium-bodied with just a touch of acid and creamy peach and lemon notes. Very floral. The nose is especially interesting over time. I prefer this to the '02.
  • 2002 R. López de Heredia Rioja Blanco Crianza Viña Gravonia - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (9/1/2013)
    Compared to the '03, this shows a bit more oak and slightly more oxidation. It’s creamier. Still a fan, I just like the energy in the '03 a bit more right now. Still very floral and especially complex with air. Interesting wine.
  • 1991 R. López de Heredia Rioja Blanco Reserva Viña Tondonia - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (8/31/2013)
    Nose is sherry-like, with honey and lemon notes. The palate shows peach, nuts, cream, and hints of caramel and iron. Adequate acidity still here to provide some lift. It really opens and rounds out with air. Not for everyone, but I dig it.

Posted from CellarTracker

2

Thanks. We opened the 03 Gravonia about five weeks ago, liked it. Chicken stock is a good, new (for me) descriptor.

Cheers.

3

Thanks, Ian.
A friend once described the nose on an old white Burg as green beans cooking in chicken stock.
I laughed, but it was pretty accurate.
I smelled it in that '03. Cheers.

4

When you get to rancid butter, time to call it a day :slight_smile:

5

I have a few of these left, very interesting wine and I guess it ages very well. Of course, it’ll never last in my cellar.