Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

2009:
'Limpid gold. Powerful, mineral-accented aromas of dried orchard and pit fruits, brown butter, coconut, beeswax, chamomile and lemon pith are sharpened by a suggestion of candied ginger. Deeply concentrated pear skin, peach pit, orange marmalade, vanilla and toasted nut flavors pick up a smoky topnote as the wine opens up. There's a lot here that reminds me of an aged Sauternes, but the acidity is fresh, giving the wine an intriguing push-pull expression of decadence and vibrancy. Finishes very long, chewy and precise, showing firm mineral and spicy cut and a touch of saltiness.' - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 95/100 (Apr 2021)

'Pale gold, with a hint of luminosity, then a nose which recalls sourdough, quince and lanolin; gorse, fennel and a hint of kumquat; something reminiscent of Hunter Valley Sémillon, the toasty richness, maybe, but in this instance, there is more depth; intimations of matted texture and cerebral challenge. All duly confirmed on the palate, tangerine and tarte tatin, almonds and white pepper; slices of kumquat and Mirabelle plum; a briny grip, but the brine of a warm embracing ocean of pleasure.' - Simon Field MW, Decanter.com, 92/100 (Feb 2021)

'2009 was a very warm year, and the 2009 Viña Tondonia Blanco Reserva, produced with Viura and 10% Malvasía Riojana from vines averaging 61 years of age, shows ripe and has more evolved aromas with honeyed notes, caramel, Earl Grey tea and a volatile whiff like it's more advanced. The palate feels more complete, with the textbook pungent flavors of fungus, diesel and wet chalk, and it's lighter than what I expected for a warm and dry year. This matured in well-seasoned, neutral American oak barrels for six years. I'd drink this before the 2008. This feels ready.' - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Oct 2020)

2011:
'The 2011 Viña Tondonia Blanco Reserva reflects a warm and ripe year, and the wine is more evolved and already hints at some caramel and honey. It has a mellow palate without the vibrancy of the 2010 I tasted next to it. This wine matured in used, ancient American oak barrels for six years.' - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Oct 2022)