Viñedos de Contino Reserva 2018 (Rioja, Spain) - [JS 95] [WE 95] [WA 94] [WS 91] [DM 91]

Viñedos de Contino Reserva 2018
(Rioja, Spain) - [JS 95] [WE 95] [WA 94] [WS 91] [DM 91]


$55.00 $48.97 Save $6.03
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JS95 WE95 WA94 WS91 DM91
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About the Wine:
For Contino, nothing is more modern than a renewed classic. The Contino Reserva is an excellent example of this philosophy. Produced from a variety of micro-vineyards in the area surrounding Viñedos del Contino with distinct soil types (alluvial, clay-limestone, saline and sandy). In constant search of the perfect harmony between vineyards situated in the privileged environment of Viñedos del Contino.
Fermentation in small stainless steel and concrete tanks, enabling us to produce individual wines from each micro-vineyard according to optimum harvesting conditions.
 
Vintage:
2018 was a year marked by the rainfalls, 200(l/m2), more than in previous years, despite the intense rain storms, winds and hail storms, the quality of the grapes wasn't affected. Temperatures during the vegetative cycle show that it was a cold winter, typical of this area and a mild summer. Budbreak began between the 2nd and the 9th May, flowering on the 20th May and fruit set between 6th and 20th June. The beginning of the harvest was 17th September, firstly with the white varieties and ended 16th October with the red grapes. This harvest season can be described as a difficult harvest in terms of the adverse weather conditions but in terms of quality and quantity it was a very good harvest.
 

Tasting Notes:
Contino Reserva 2018 is our greatest ambassador. The care taken for our
vineyards, the selection of our grapes and the constant labor done, produce as a
result an excellent wine where complexity and elegance go together.
It is a harmonious wine, with a fragrant nose that offers aromas of fresh fruit,
perfectly combined with floral, balsamic and spicy notes. On the palate it is
voluminous, structured and elegant. Its velvety and oily finish recalls the milky and
mineral notes of its complex nose.

Grapes: 86% Tempranillo, 6% Mazuelo, 6% Graciano and 2% Garnacha

Ageing: 18 months in French (90%) and American (10%) oak barrels

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Black cherries with cedar and dried flowers, as well as dusty earth. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins that are long and polished. Lots of structure. Very typical and focused. Drinkable now, but better in 2024." (October 2021)

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This deep-ruby-colored wine has a bouquet of black cherry, clove and butterscotch. It is surprisingly soft on the palate, with filigree tannins and flavors of ripe summer cherry, blackberry, milk chocolate, fennel bulb and violet." - Mike DeSimone (December 2022)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"I tasted two vintages of the estate red that represents the blend and the character of the place. The 2018 Reserva comes from a cooler year and is a blend of 86% Tempranillo, 6% Mazuelo, 6% Graciano and 2% Garnacha with 14.12% alcohol and a pH of 3.48. The grapes ripened thoroughly and the wine is tasty but has a vibrant palate with freshness and depth. It has a classical nose and is complex and spicy with an earthy touch, a little developed and with fine-grained tannins. Very tasty..." Drink 2022-20230. - Luis Gutiérrez (July 2022)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A medium-bodied red, round and creamy, with supple tannins and citrusy acidity providing definition for appealing flavors of pureed black cherry and boysenberry fruit. Offers accents of mocha, violet and star anise, with savory hints of tobacco and mineral showing on the finish. Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2028. 2,400 cases made, 800 cases imported." - Alison Napjus (October 2022)

91 Points - Decanter:
"Contino is a producer of fine Rioja and this Reserva combines a soft and silky mouthfeel, flavours of red fruits and cream, and textured, grainy tannins. Towards the finish it reveals its woody character along with warming strawberry and raspberry fruits. Great balance." Drink 2022-2028. - James Button (September 2022)