2008 R. Lopez de Heredia, Tondonia Rosado Gran Reserva, Rioja

I have had the chance drink a few bottles and taste (again) the 2008 Viña Tondonia Rosado Gran Reserva next to the current release, which is 2009, a good thing for comparison's sake. And I thought I should write a new note, because I find that the wine is developing beautifully, gaining in complexity; the salty/umami feeling seems to be increasing with the time in bottle. It feels fresher than the 2009, and the nose has more nuances, with some mineral, diesel-like notes, nuts, decayed flowers and hints of wet stones. A unique rosé.

Pale copper-tinged orange. A powerfully scented bouquet evokes orange zest, red currant, rose oil, cinnamon and smoky minerals. Juicy and precise on the palate, offering intense red berry and citrus fruit flavors along with hints of honey, vanilla and candied flowers. Deftly blends power and finesse and shows no rough edges. The mineral and floral notes carry strongly through an impressively long finish that displays outstanding clarity and spicy cut.

60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, 10% Viura. Ageing for four years in oak barrels, clarified using egg white. 14,000 bottles. What complexity! I love the aromatic palate that unfolds in this wine! Very tertiary fruit, ripe, even cooked. The aromas of cedar, tea and wood are prominent, but are very nice and fine. A tertiary rosé. A balsamic touch on the palate. A wonderful wine of classic and woody style. On the palate, it's nutty, with orange peel and toasted almonds. Also, I can find some red cherries! Nicely musky! Impressive, old-fashioned wine. (FC)