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)