2004 Lopez de Heredia "Vi̱a Tondonia" Reserva Rioja

The 2004 Vi̱a Tondonia Reserva is a completely different story. It is a worthy follower of the 2001, the greatest of the Vi̱a Tondonia Reservas of recent times. It has the usual blend and usual levels of alcohol and acidity, bottled after six years in oak barrels. The nose feels savory (if that's possible‰ÛÒumami?) and developed, with tertiary aromas and good balance between spices, leathery notes, cherries and balsamic notes of cigar box and incense. The palate is both round and crisp, with refined tannins. It has very good balance with subtle acidity and very good persistence. (LG)