- 2010 R. López de Heredia Rioja Rosado Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (8/13/2021)
It’s probably been at least ten years since I last had the Heredia Rosado. Finally managed to get a couple of bottles, then kept waiting for the right moment.
There is no “right” moment.
Hot summer evening, so Rosé sounds good. First Rosé at hand is this one. Quick chill to just below cellar temp, and pop ‘n pour. From the first sip it’s an incredibly interesting wine. What initially seems like a blend of ripe watermelon and strawberry is quickly joined, and then subsumed by orange peel and brown spices. First comes the clove, then cinnamon. The wine warms in the glass, and earthy, mushroomy notes emerge. There’s a little bit of pleasant oxidation, but it’s by no means a dominant element. The wine feels fresh despite the substantial tertiary complexity. There is a splash of citrus pith bitterness on the finish, but it just makes my mouth water, and prompts me to take another sip. Compelling.