2009 Doniene Gorrondona Gorrondona Tinto Txakolina
Bizkaiko Txakolina, Spain
$28
A rare red Txakoli, the 2009 Gorrondona Tinto is made from 150-year-old pre-phylloxera Hondarribi Beltza vines. It was fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. Cherry red in color, it offers up a carbonic-like, red fruit nose of red currants, cranberry, and raspberry. Light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing, it will drink well over the next 2-3 years. Score: 89 -J.M. (WA #188, Apr 2010)
89 points
2005 Doniene Blanco Txakolina
Doniene Gorrondona
Bizkaiko Txakolina
$18.00
The 2005 Doniene Blanco, made from 100% Hondarribi Zuri and fermented in stainless steel, is medium straw in color. It offers up fruity lemon/lime and mineral notes in the nose, a medium-bodied, round impression on the palate, and good crispness in the finish. Like most of the top whites from Basque country, this wine would be a terrific accompaniment to shellfish. –J.M. (eRobertParker.com, 2-28-07)
90 points
Doniene Gorrondona
2010 Tinto Bizkaiko Txakolina($28) International Wine Cellar, #158, Sept./Oct. - Josh Raynolds
Bright purple. Wild, highly perfumed bouquet evokes dark berries, cherry and smoky herbs, with floral and cracked pepper notes building in the glass. Juicy and precise, with very good clarity and spicy cut to its bitter cherry and blackberry flavors. Smokiness builds with air and carries through a long, spicy, precise finish. A lovely bottle of the 2005 that I drank recently reminded me a lot of a Loire Valley cabernet franc.
90 Points
2007 Gorrondona Tinto
Bizkaiko Txakolina
$30; 100% hondarrabi beltza
Bright red. Peppery redcurrant, cherry and herbal aromas reminded me of Chinon. Firm on entry, but quickly fleshes out to offer sweet strawberry and raspberry flavors, along with a hint of bitter cherry skin. Light in body but packs impressive flavor punch and finishes with very good focus and lift. Those who demand fat in their red wines will not go for this. -J.R. (International Wine Cellar 9/08)
88 Points
2006 Doniene Txakolina
Bizkaiko Txakolina
$21
Pale yellow. Intensely perfumed nose presents a complex bouquet of citrus and orchard fruits, wet stones and floral honey. Fleshy pear and white peach flavors are gently firmed by bitter citrus pith qualities, finishing with good cling. A bit less severe than most Txakoli. – J.R. (International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 07)
90 Points
2006 Gorrondona Txakolina
Bizkaiko Txakolina
$21 Deep red. Pungent, mineral-accented red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by tobacco, black tea and musky underbrush. More tangy red fruits on the palate, with vibrant minerality adding focus and extending through the finish. A suave graphite quality emerges with air, adding complexity to the juicy cherry and raspberry flavors. Utterly intriguing wine. – J.R. (International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 07)
87 Points
Doniene Gorrondona
Doniene Txakolina 2005
Bizkaiko Txakolina
$20
Bright, green-tinged gold. Wild aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine, green tea, lime zest and minerals. Sappy and rich, with bracing acidity and firm citrus flavors. Finishes with a supple note of pear and good length. -J.R. (International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 2006)
90 Points
Doniene Gorrondona
Gorrondona Tinto
Bizkaiko Txakolina
$20; made from the rare hondarribi beltza variety, from pre-phylloxera vines
Ruby-red. Gorgeously perfumed, mineral-driven cherry, rhubarb, tobacco and floral aromas show noteworthy precision. Firm and fresh, with taut red berry and cherry flavors underpinned by bright minerality and juicy acids. Powerful but elegant on the finish, with repeating mineral notes and excellent length. Only 120 cases made. -J.R. (International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 2006)
