Viñedos del Contino was created in 1973 by CVNE, and was the first single-estate (or château) established in La Rioja, where all grapes come from the 62-hectare estate surrounding the winery in Laserna, Rioja Alavesa.
The first vintage of Contino Gran Reserva was in 1996, and has been regarded as one of the regions iconic wines ever since. The 2014 offering is a classic Rioja; full of concentrated red and black fruit fused with gentle toasted oak, vanilla, and clove spice... more than worthy of a space in any Rioja lovers' cellar, and will age wonderfully over the next 10-15 years!
This is the first time in its history that Contino Gran Reserva has been released in 75cl bottle format (usually Magnums only), so we are delighted to have secured an allocation.
Contino Gran Reserva Rioja 2014 | £235 IB (6x75cl)
70% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo and 5% Garnacha. Aged for 36 months in both American (70%) and French (30%) oak, followed by a further 24 months in bottle.
"Gorgeous notes of red plums, currants, vanilla spice, and candied flowers all emerge from the 2014 Gran Reserva. With full-bodied richness, a rounded, layered texture, plenty of mid-palate depth, and present yet ripe tannins, this beauty does everything right and can be drunk with incredible pleasure any time over the coming 10-15 years." 96/100 points. Jeb Dunnuck
"A very balanced reserva with ultra fine tannins that are melted into the wine. Blueberry and light citrus undertones. Medium to full body, soft and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows light tar and spice in the aftertaste. Drink now." 94/100 points. James Suckling
"Deep violet. Primary black and blue fruit, potpourri, baking spice and vanilla qualities on the highly perfumed nose; a smoky mineral flourish adds urgency. Appealingly sweet, oak-spiced boysenberry, cassis and cherry cola flavors spread out steadily on the palate and show fine definition and back-end thrust. Closes impressively long and smooth, with rounded tannins contributing shape and gentle grip." Drink 2023-2033. 94/100 points. Josh Raynolds (Vinous)
"This shows abundant notes of spices, toast and smoke, dark chocolate and espresso coffee and ripe berries. It's still showing the impact of the élevage, but it will probably absorb it with time in bottle. The palate is powerful and reveals abundant tannins." Drink 2022-2032. 93/100 points. Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate)
"Enticing nose of red cherry and cassis with underlying gentle toasted oak, and deft touches of vanilla and clove spice. Superb structure on the palate to the ripe, velvety tannins and impressive freshness that envelop and support the concentrated core of black fruit, delicate spice and savoury undertones on the superb finish." Andrew Ray
SOLD OUT
Please note the wine is sold In Bond (excluding UK Duty and VAT), per case 6x75cl and is due to arrive in Autumn 2021.
