Viñedos del Contino was created by Cvne and the family owners of the state in 1973, establishing the “château” concept in the Rioja region. The estate embraces vineyards and wines, and is rooted in an ancestral home inside a bend in the Ebro river. Its wines are made exclusively from the stocks planted on its 62 hectares located in Laserna, near the town of Laguardia in the Rioja Alavesa wine making region.
94pts James Suckling– 2012 vintage
FOR THE 2012 VINTAGE
Aromas of wet earth, spice and dark berry follow through to a full body, round and soft tannins and a long and decadent finish. Black olive and dark fruits. This is the only wine made from Contino in this year. Drink now.
N/Apts Wine Enthusiast– 2014 vintage
FOR THE 2014 VINTAGE
Berry and oak aromas are not overly deep. On the palate, this is more defined, with lively acidity and popping fruit. Plum, spiced berry and currant flavors end with chocolaty oak, nutmeg and blueberry notes. Unlike most Contino wines, this one seems ready for near-term consumption; drink through 2024.
92pts The Wine Advocate– 2014 vintage
FOR THE 2014 VINTAGE
The 2014 Reserva is usually a blend of 85% Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo and Garnacha that wants to express the character of the estate, its rocky limestone soils and ripe character. It fermented in stainless steel and aged in 50% French and 50% American oak barrels for two years. It’s subtly balsamic, with faint aromas of cigar ash, incense and also some dried flower petals, spices and a touch of ripeness. The palate is medium-bodied with moderate ripeness, quite contrasted with the sensation on the nose. 287,960 bottles and 1,500 magnums were produced. It was bottled in July 2017.
