R. Lopez de Heredia likely needs no introduction as it’s a sub darling, but here we go anyway. Founded in 1877, LdH is famous for high quality, low-intervention, classically styled wines that are aged for a long time before release. Currently, its reputation is that of maybe the best Rioja estate and among the top producers in all of Spain (albeit with some bottle variation).

Tondonia is likely the most famous Rioja vineyard, though people mostly know its Tempranillo-based reds. The whites, like this one, are much rarer and more expensive (they also make a hard-to-find, pricey rosé from this vineyard).

This 2013 Reserva Blanco is 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia, and comes in at 12.5% ABV. It could technically be labeled as Gran Reserva, as it spent 6 years in oak and 2 years in bottle before release, but they save that label for extremely long-aged wines.

Tasting Notes: Beautiful gold/amber color. Expressive nose of ripe yellow apple, honey, roasted nuts, and touches of citrus and vanilla. Palate is round and concentrated (similar notes as nose), though there’s nice acidity to balance things out. Finish is long and memorable. It’s a white wine that could pair with a surprising variety of food (I had it with chorizo, patatas bravas, pan con tomate, and assorted nuts). It drinks much younger than its 12 years of age, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was still delicious 10 years from now.