1981 Lopez de Heredia "Viña Tondonia" Blanco Gran Reserva Rioja

93 points from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "True gold, but remarkably youthful for its age. W ild, complex bouquet of pungent flowers, succulent herbs, orange peel, violet, vanilla, toasted nuts and baking spices. Rich, deep and beautifully concentrated, with surprising energy to the ripe pear and poached apple flavors complemented by marzipan and vanilla. This actually tightens up on the finish, showing a lingering exotic, spicy character. You could drink this right now or even hold it for a few more years." (Sept/Oct 2006) 93 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The richly-colored 1981 Vina Tondonia Blanco Gran Reserva captures the essence of this house’s wines. It is a wine of great complexity as well as contrasts. At once mature yet seemingly ageless, full-bodied yet somehow also miraculously delicate, it displays evolved sensations of earthiness, smoke, roasted nuts and dried apricots in a more oxidative style with great persistence on the palate and enough acidity to make me think it will drink well for at least another ten or so years. 93 Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016." (Oct. 2006)90 points from Wine Spectator: "An odd yet complementary mix of firm acidity with mature flavors of dried, honeyed fruit gives this white distinctive character. Notes of tangerine and clove linger on the finish. Not for everyone, but unique. Viura and Malvasia. Drink now. 1,665 cases made." (Mar. 31, 2007)