Viña Tondonia Reserva 2004

The main goal of the Spain trip was to bring as many wines and cheese as possible. When I went to Viña Tondonia (here for the full story behind the wine tour), I loved how they had mini bottles for purchase. As an Asian, who doesn’t have an enzyme to digest alcohol and lightweight, I cannot drink as much as I wish I could, so sometimes it’s hard for me to open a full 750 mL bottle of wine, worrying that I wouldn’t able to finish it. When I found these 375 mL bottles, I grabbed a bunch, which ended up having to buy a new suitcase.

I love Spanish wines. They are similar to Californian wines; they have adopted modern winemaking techniques and the climates are very similar, specifically Rioja. I actually prefer Spanish wines over Californians because of friendlier price tags, though I am not so sure how long this will last for. Spanish wines have been gaining reputations, and it is a matter of time before the price hikes to match its quality. Before then, I’m going to enjoy Spanish wines as much as I can.

To reminisce my trip to Spain, a sweet short two weeks of solo-trip, I decided to open Viña Tondonia. She is as fine as I remember her. She is finely aged, for god’s sake she is thirteen years old! Think of Grace Kelly or Coco Chanel. Delightful dried and jammy, red and orange fruit dominates her personality. I am talking about deliciously sun-baked strawberries, raspberry, persimmon and orange peels; you can even smell sunshine. And dried clay, fresh cut woods, coffee beans and some herbal notes like basil and mint adds complexity to my lady. Regardless of her age, she has a great firm body with supple tannins that nibbles your mouth. The vibrant acidity makes you wonder if she has gotten any botox. I would love to age like her, fine and sumptuous. She is my life goal.

Price: ~$45 (find it here)
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐