November 18, 2023 - took to barrel head tasting group Tondonia tasting.
January 24, 2023 - These wines are hard to find but worth the search. 20% Tempranillo, 60% Garnacha and 20% Viura. Had less of the oxidized notes than the Blanco does, soft but noticeable tannins, and aromas of dried fruits and nuts. Flavor matches the nose. Long finish. Brilliant.
December 9, 2022 - Eugene's birthday: Pretty much a sherry at this stage, strong whiffs of hazelnut and a very oxidative nose. Palate didn't have much vibrancy left and reminded me of a vin jaune. Some sweetness and lots of coconut on the finish. Interesting to have tried this but very much an intellectual wine, didn't have much pleasure until I paired it with food.
July 12, 2022 - Felizmente he tenido una gran cantidad de este vino y añada y tras consumir la presente aún me queda otra que guardo preciosamente.
Con los años, el color ha ido cambiando de cebolla clarito a caramelo oscuro. No se decantó por no ser necesario en este tipo de vinos. Como acostumbra suceder en los LdH el aroma es un auténtico festival de sensaciones: en esta botella, se enmarcan en un ámbito oxidativo importante, se encuentra caramelo, fresas ciruelas e higos confitados, un poco de especies como curry o vainilla, ceniza, una punta de madera vieja, frutos secos, cítricos , flor de té, margaritas y rosas secas y aún muchas cosas más que se me escapan. La boca es de cuerpo medio, resulta fuertemente marcada por la oxidación, excelente acidez, profundidad, mucha expresividad, recuerda a flor seca, cítricos con un fondo mineral notable. Final muy largo. La tendencia oxidativa de este vino ha ido evolucionando con los años, y ahora, para mi gusto se encuentra un poco al límite, y por eso recomendaría no tardar mucho en consumirlo.
De todas formas, este vino es un punto y aparte en el mundo de los rosados. Para nada es un rosado al uso, frecuentemente intrascendentes y de uso veraniego. Se trata de un vino serio para tomar con comida seria, podría ir bien desde luego con pescado y también paellas e incluso platos especiados. En definitiva un rosado genial, y si no a ver donde se encuentra un rosado en este estado tras 22 años de guarda.
June 9, 2022 - Really great and unlike anything else.
Definitely some oxidative qualities, but still very fresh.
Liked it but was hoping for more depth.
November 27, 2020 - somewhere between oxidized and enjoyable. but I guess when it's paired with open faced turkey sandwiches smothered in gravy and sides of cranberry sauce and sweet potato pie covered with marshmallows, then it doesn't really matter.
June 28, 2020 - 2nd bottle was oxidised ... not properly stored? Hope the other 4 are better ... worrying
March 29, 2020 - Corked! Such a pity.
June 20, 2019 - 12% alcohol.
Luminous, translucent and somewhat developed coppery color with a hue of Aperol. The nose feels pretty similar to the Gran Reserva Rosado 2008, only somewhat more developed. There are sweet-toned, tertiary aromas of Tawny-like caramel, some coconut tones, a little bit of chopped walnuts, light smoky tones, a hint of clayey terracotta and a touch of brambly raspberry. The wine is medium-bodied, bright and bone-dry on the palate with complex flavors of Nutella, some tangy citrus fruit tones, a little bit of smoke, light mineral tones of gravelly earth, a hint of brambly raspberry and a touch of caramel. It is hard to assess whether the savory, developed tones lean more towards woody oak tones or oxidative characteristics, but it goes without saying that the wine is remarkably nuanced with incredible depth of flavor. The high acidity lends incredible freshness and intensity to the palate. The finish is dry, long and remarkably complex with layered flavors of ripe cranberries, fresh cherries, some savory oak spice, a little bit of coconut, light Tawny notes of caramel, a hint of vanilla and a touch of tart lingonberries.
A remarkably fresh, crunchy and intense rosé wine that is still singing at almost 19 years of age - a remarkable feat for many a wine, but especially for a rosé. It wonderfully complex an effort that is in its own class not only as a rosé, but also as a Heredia wine: it certainly has that rich, savory and subtly coconut-like character Tondonia whites often exhibit, but the wine is nothing like the whites as much as it is distinct from the reds. A singular wine if there ever was one. Tasting this wine side-by-side with the vintage 2008, I'm not sure which one fared better; the 2008 vintage was more vibrant with remarkable intensity of fruit, whereas this wine showed some more nuance and depth of flavor, but perhaps lacking a little bit intensity in comparison. Although the 2008 vintage might've won by a hair's breadth, I'm willing to score both the wines with identical rating, since the difference was so small. I think not only 2008, but also this vintage is capable of developing further in a cellar.
May 25, 2019 - at the home of two dogs, with friends old and new: light pink orange color, with tea tinge. Nose pruney/stewed fruit. Palate nutty, almost sherry-like; smoky. opens up with time, develops some smoky notes, hints of honey, some minerals, and some puckering acidity, though still with lightly stewed plums.
Overall a bit too oxidative for me, either that or not the freshest bottle. Interesting to try but not worth the hype at least tonight. Hopefully shows better for others. 86 pts