López de Heredia, Rioja Reserva (Spain) 2009

 The 2009 Viña Tondonia Reserva, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, and even parts of Mazuelo and Graciano, exemplifies the classic López de Heredia style and philosophy.  The wine spends six years in barriques before racking into large casks and bottling three years before release.  The 2009 dishes out powerful mineral-laced dark cherries, figs, and blackberries that are complemented by vanilla, wood smoke, and espresso notes.  The 2009 is ripe and fresh with lively acidity and smooth but powerful tannins that build seamlessly into the long, dark fruit and spice-accented finish.  It is approachable already, but this will be even better with a bit more bottle age.