Contino (Cune) Rioja Gran Reserva 2017

95 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "The Contino vineyards escaped the frost from 2017, and the 2017 Gran Reserva, from a warm and dry year, is a blend of 82% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano and 3% Garnacha, the selection of the best grapes from different plots in the estate. This is 100% from the new team and from a vintage they consider very good for their property, different than the majority of Rioja. The idea is to follow the long aging in oak to continue with the tradition and keeping the freshness and controlling the power from the place. This is hedonistic and flattering, spicy after maturing in French barrique for 24 months. They harvested earlier than ever, in early September, and the wine reached 13.52% and has very good freshness with a pH of 3.47. It's round and enjoyable, fresher than the last vintage I had tried. It was bottled in June 2020. (7/14/22)"

94 points James Suckling: "A fruity and juicy red with round tannins and savory fruit. Medium to full body and a creamy texture. Hints of caramel and meat to the dark fruit. 85% tempranillo, 10% graciano, 5% mazuelo and garnacha. Enjoyable now. (9/9/22)"

94 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "(82% tempranillo, 5% mazuelo, 10% graciano, 3% garnacha). Colour: dark-red cherry, garnet rim. Nose: ripe fruit, aged wood nuances, tobacco, sweet spices. Palate: spicy, round tannins, long. (2023)"

93 points Tim Atkin, MW: "(14%). Contino's Reserva combines fruit from a series of "micro-plots" on this single estate, partnering Tempranillo with 14% Mazuelo, Graciano and Garnacha. Spicy, rich and perfumed, with some of the focus of a cooler year in a warmer site, this is sweetly wooded, Mediterranean herb scented and built to last. 2024-32. (2022)"