On the glorious and fortunate occasion when one pulls the cork from a bottle of wine made by Lopez de Heredia, there is no risk of suffering from the illusion that there is anything ubiquitous about the extraordinary nectar that spills forth with each glass. Vina Tondonia is the flagship bottling from a storied producer; a wine of exceptional pedigree and privileged terroir.

Deep brilliant purple colour, with bright raspberry, strawberry and black currant fruit upfront, framed by silky mouth-coating tannins. Elegant and medium to full-bodied, this wine has a richness and concentration which cry out for fattier cuts of meat like beef or lamb. The finish is long and clean with lingering notes of cedar, white pepper and southern French garrigue. Drink now – or over the next 3-4 years.