Cru designations are rare in Rioja. Heredia is the only classic name to label its wines by the name of the vineyard. The house has four: Cubillo, dedicated to red Crianzas; Gravonia, solely whites; Tondonia, producing both reds and whites, is the source of the house's Gran Reservas and because of that has become synonymous with the name Heredia; and Bosconia, which produces a Burgundian styled red Reserva.
Generally speaking, I prefer the Bosconia Reserva to the Tondonia Reserva. It's more finessed, the acidity brighter, the tannins less dusty, at least in the early years. And it's a damn good value. For less than 150 NIS, in Israel, you get a Gran Reserva by any other name, since every single wine Heredia makes would legally qualify as a Gran Reserva in every respect (grape quality and barrel aging). If, drinking this, you get a wild urge to cellar it for another ten years, go for it. I wasn't able to hold back and am now drinking my last bottle.
Upon pouring, it shows aromas of old wood, which I used to find quaint, but now would prefer they blow off, which they do, in this case. When that happens, I get sour cherries, fresh and dried as well, and a savory, mushroomy earthiness, with hints of iron fillings. The palate strikes a great balance between a refined attack, fruity mid-palate and a long, complex, rusty finish.
Totally lovely. (Apr. 29, 2021)
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