2000 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva Blanco & 2009 Huet Vouvray Moelleux Le Haut Lieu

These two beauties inspire dialogue about the transformational character of great white wines.  I just don't drink whites that often, so it's a treat to indulge - especially with ones that I don't have much experience with.   Most enjoyable are the incredibly alluring noses on these wines.  Both are superbly balanced at 12.5% alc.  :) 

'00 LdH Tondonia Blanco is 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia Riojana.  Amazing petrol nose.  Minerally & nutty palate with honey nuances and alluring salinity on the finish .... exhibits a texture/mouthfeel that reminds me of Ribolla Gialla.  Fascinating contemplative wine that gains complexity over the course of several hours.  Paired well with grilled tuna, arancini and grilled veggies at dinner.

'09 Huet Moelleux Le Haut Lieu provides an informative experience with Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley.  Gorgeous sweetly floral, slightly petrol nose.  Melon and tropical fruits, but with a stony crispness on the finish that I associate with Chenin Blanc from the Loire.  Evolves very nicely in the glass over several hours.  This was served before dinner on its own and later with almond tort for dessert.

Very much enjoyed both of these in their own framework, yet the Tondonia Blanco is the one I am drawn to over the course of the evening as it opens up and shows its stuff....