R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2004

9.6

If you know, you know.

Just eying the bottle evokes a sense of mysticism—these are increasingly rare sightings, relics of a winemaking philosophy nearly lost to time. Opening it after a recent visit to the winery feels familiar, almost fated.

The color holds strong despite its 20+ years, with a core of garnet that defies its age. On the nose, memory takes over: the scent of the underground cellar, the mold-covered walls, the rustic perfume of wood and brick. Then come the classics notes—dried rose petals, red berries, and a whisper of spice.

The palate surprises with more volume than the bottle’s vintage muster’s. Lively red fruit mingles with savory earth and warm spice, carried by silken tannins. The finish lingers with a trace of wet oak, grounding the experience in place and time.

This is a wine of lineage, character, and quiet perseverance—a style too uncommon today. Most importantly, it was opened, shared, and deeply enjoyed. — 18 days ago

Paul, Dave and 9 others liked this

Marqués de Murrieta

Reserva Finca Ygay Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2017

David White

9.3

Nice cherry ruby red colour with cherries and red fruit on the nose, silky balance of tannins on palate with minerality leading to a long satisfying finish
Excellent example of good old world wine making — 11 days ago

Tom and Bob liked this

C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)

Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2012

Hiroshi Tominaga

9.2

Great, rich and beautiful. Price about ¥11,000. — 2 days ago

Marqués de Riscal

Reserva Herederos del Marques de Riscal Rioja Tempranillo 2019

Peter van den Besselaar

9.3

Vintage 2019 | Popped and poured to savour during the Liberation concert at Dutch Liberation day. Good old school Rioja. Tempranillo and 4% Graciano. 24 m barrel aging and 12 m aging in bottle before it comes on the market. Elegance and structure. Vanilla and spicyness in smell. Also mocca. Fine acidity and spices in taste. But also fruit, fresh cherries. Paired with some old goats cheese. — 2 days ago

Jay, Bob and 14 others liked this

Jay Kline

@Peter van den Besselaar one of the world’s greatest values in wine today.

Bodegas Faustino

Gran Reserva Faustino I Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2010

Kapyrick Wine

9.2

v10. Very good! Toasty vanilla and tobacco nose. Bright, rich, dark blackberry, plum and tar fruit. Long, bold, slightly astringent tanned leather finish. Still aging!!! — 5 days ago