Region: Rioja, Rioja Alta, Spain
Varietal: Tempranillo 75%, Garnacho 15%, Graciano and Mazuelo 10%

97 points James Suckling
This is as complex and savory as the rest of the Viña Tondonia wines, but also shows a tad more depth, with a hint of black plum and blue fruit on top of the orange rind, iron, tobacco and earthy spices. Expect some cedar and truffle to develop in the future. Juicy, zesty and tight, with a dusty tannins and bright berry fruit on the medium-to full-bodied palate.

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2010 Viña Tondonia Reserva has all I expect from a Reserva from Tondonia, complexity, elegance and evolution, a developed nose with notes of forest floor and wild berries, herbs and flowers, a touch of iodine, brick dust and very fine, polished tannins. It has the seriousness and elegance of Tondonia. This is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho (they use the masculine form of the name of the grape) and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo that fermented in the ancient oak vats from when the winery was created 144 years ago and matured in well-seasoned, American oak barrels for six years.

Pairing: Chili con carne, roast lamb and game birds, as well as all the traditional Spanish charcuterie, including Chorizo and Jamon Serrano are well suited to this Rioja due to the wine having had some time to age and become bolder in the bottle. Younger Rioja wines do not stand up to these richer or spicier flavors as well. This Pasta With Chorizo, Chickpeas and Kale by Dawn Perry to be an excellent suitor, simplicity to prepare.

Rioja is one Spain's most famous wine regions and is one of only two regions classified under the Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) system. Its two most important red grapes are Tempranillo and Garnacha. Rioja Alta is one of three sub-regions of the Rioja wine region. It occupies the westernmost portion of the region, with the majority of its vineyards lying south of the Ebro River. The vineyards here are located at higher altitudes, assisting in the accumulation of acidity, color and moderate alcohol levels. The soil has a healthy mix of clay, iron and alluvial components, giving it a redder color.
Tempranillo thrives in these conditions, producing signature 'Rioja-style' wines. As a result, the local wines form the backbone of most Rioja blends.

"The Tondonia vineyard extends for over 100 hectares (250 acres) in a picturesque site next to the Ebro river. The soil is made up of alluvial clay with a high limestone content, which has proved an excellent terroir for the Tempranillo and Garnacha vines that are planted there. Tondonia provides the grapes for López de Heredia's top wines, both red and white." Wine-Searcher