López de Heredia is one of Spain’s most historic addresses, virtually unchanged for nearly 150 years and renowned for an uncompromisingly traditional style of Rioja. For decades, the wines have also been among the greatest values in Old World red wine, achieving a level of quality, complexity and longevity that continues to stun at their price point. Today we have the 2014 Viña Tondonia Reserva in the exceptionally rare 375ml half-bottle format, and as we always say, it is increasingly difficult to find a genuinely serious wine in this size, so this is a great find. Made from 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, and the balance of Mazuelo and Graciano, all grown in the historic Viña Tondonia vineyard along the Ebro River, the wine undergoes an extraordinarily long élevage in well-seasoned American oak, followed by extended bottle aging at the domaine. Very few producers release a wine with this much maturity already built in, and finding Tondonia in half bottle makes it even more unusual. The 2014 shows dried cherry, raspberry, and red currant layered with tobacco, leather, cedar, dried herbs, and subtle spice, carried by fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, savory finish. Tondonia tends to show a little more finesse and elegance than the broader, more rustic Bosconia bottling while still possessing the structure and old-school character that can reward decades in the cellar. This is benchmark traditional Rioja and a serious, age-worthy wine in a half bottle, perfect when a full 750ml is more than you need.

Wine Advocate (Luis Guttierez) 95 points! "The very pretty red 2014 Viña Tondonia Reserva is stunning. The blend this year is 80% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho and the rest Graciano and Mazuelo. It matured in the old oak vats and well-seasoned American oak barrels for eight years and has 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.3 and 6.7 grams of acidity. María José told me she noticed the alcohol here compared with other vintages, but I found the wine to be really balanced, combining power and elegance, with energy and a polished and elegant palate. They have been bottling all the wines a little later than in the past, which was partly done intentionally but also because of circumstances, like availability of bottles or logistics related to COVID-19, etc. 300,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2022."

Vinous (Jaoquin Hidalgo) 93 points! "Clear bouquet development defines the 2014 Reserva Viña Tondonia, aged for six years in American oak and bottled in November 2022. On the nose, soft herbs, underbrush and dried cherry unfold over a lightly grippy oak frame. The palate is vibrant and energetic, capturing the house style through subtle firmness and freshness that support the structure. (Drink between 2026-2040)"