R. López De Heredia Viña Bosconia Reserva 2014

R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia is one of Rioja’s historic estates, founded in Haro in 1877 by Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta. More than a century later, the winery remains family owned and is now led by the fourth generation, including María José, Mercedes and Julio López de Heredia. The estate is notable for maintaining an unusually traditional approach: all fruit comes from its own vineyards, fermentations take place in old wooden vats, wines are aged for exceptionally long periods, and the winery still operates its own cooperage.

The Bosconia wines come from the 15 hectare El Bosque vineyard, about one kilometer from the winery near the Ebro River. The south facing site sits around 460 to 487 meters above sea level on clay limestone and gravelly soils, with vines averaging roughly 40 years of age. López de Heredia describes its viticulture as essentially ecological, relying heavily on organic amendments, estate massal selection and relatively limited chemical inputs rather than pursuing formal organic certification.

The 2015 Viña Bosconia Reserva is approximately 80% tempranillo, 15% garnacha, with mazuelo and graciano making up the balance. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in old wooden vats, followed by five years of élevage in seasoned American oak barrels made at the estate. During aging, the wine is manually racked twice each year, then clarified with fresh egg whites and bottled without filtration. Extended bottle aging follows before release, giving Bosconia its distinctive combination of mature complexity and freshness. The 2015 shows red cherry, raspberry and plum alongside dried flowers, leather, tobacco and savory spice. The palate is medium to full bodied, with bright acidity, fine mature tannins and a supple texture. Despite its long aging, it remains energetic and fresh, finishing with red fruit, earthy spice and a subtle balsamic character.