Viña Tondonia Blanco Reserva 2001

"Cropped from one highly acclaimed vintage, the 2001 Viña Tondonia Blanco Reserva was harvested between October 8 and 15, like in the old times. It was produced as always with 90% Viura and the rest Malvasía Riojana fermented in very old oak vats with natural yeasts and matured in well-seasoned oak barrels for six years. The white varieties are always planted in the stonier, whiter soils. There is an extra dimension of freshness in this 2001, with even some citric hints intermixed with yellow flowers and herbal tea notes. With time in the glass it keeps developing aromas and changing all the time; at one point it even smelled of "turrón," the Spanish nougat produced with almonds and honey, perhaps bitter almonds. Hmmmm! This is approachable now and will keep in bottle. This is a great vintage for this wine. Given the financial effort to keep this wine for such a long time and the quality it delivers, this is very good value for money. 11,000 bottles were produced".

Not quite as thrilling as the white Gran Reserva from the same vintage, but there's no shame in that. Tempranillo is the dominant variety, with the other 30% made up of Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo. Mature, wild and savoury, with a meaty, animal top note, taut acidity and an underlying green streak. Unusual. 2021-28