López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva, 2012, Rioja Spain

Tempranillo (75%), Garnacho (15%), Graciano and Mazuelo (10%)
Regardless of the vintage, you always know what you’re getting with a bottle of Lopez. Classic, definitive, old-school Rioja at its best. A blend of all estate grown fruit from the “Tondonia” vineyard (of course almost all Tempranillo with a bit of other local varietals), carefully aged in American oak barrels for six years before being bottled and further matured in their cellars. 
The wine shows some garnet shades as it showcases some tertiary qualities at more than a decade old. Aromas of sun-drenched cherries, vanilla bean, dill, and figs lead to a medium-bodied palate. Surprisingly youthful acidity supports the noticeable oak influence and notes of tobacco, leather, and esparto grass.