1961 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva

"A seemingly immortal wine, the ’61 Tondonia, which I have been fortunate to drink at least a half-dozen times, comes across as a hypothetical blend of a high-end Paulliac and a graceful Côte d’Or Burgundy. Showing intense, finely detailed red fruit, floral, tobacco and spice character, plus cedary oak and smoky mineral nuances and a seemingly weightless quality, this bottle was a glorious example of traditional Rioja at its best. Served at the always-excellent Bâtard, in New York City, this was perhaps the best bottle I’ve yet enjoyed." 98/100 - Vinous