96 points James Suckling: "This shows so much intense dark berry such as blueberries and blackberries with hints of flowers. Lavender too. Full body, dense tannins with freshness and intensity. So tight and focused. A classic Rioja. Need five to six years of bottle age to come around. Try in 2024. (8/2/18)"
94 points Tim Atkin, MW: "Picked early in 2015, as this is a warm site near the Ebro River, this impressive Reserva was made by Jesús Madrazo before he left Contino. The 10% Graciano brings some backbone and freshness to the wine, which is herbal, savoury and plush with notes of thyme and rosemary. 2020-30."
94 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "The 2015 Reserva is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% split between Mazuelo and Garnacha that wants to express the character of the Contino estate. It fermented in 12,000-liter stainless steel at 28 degrees to 30 degrees Cesius with 15 to 20 days of maceration and an élevage in 60% French and 40% American oak barrels for two years. It feels fresher than the 2014, and it also shows younger, with better integrated oak, subtle aromas and nice balance. It's medium-bodied, with very fine tannins and good freshness, integrated and balanced. I look forward to tasting the 2016 of this wine, because this 2015 is going in a direction that I like. Drink: 2019-2025. (Jun 2019)"
94 points and 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "Malty berry aromas are supported by cocoa, mocha and berry-fruit scents. This has a jammy plum and berry palate, with a ripe, slightly desiccated red-fruit-flavor profile. Depth and balance drive the finish, which is usually a good indication that aging will only help. Drink through 2040. (Sep 2019)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "(malo in stainless steel tanks, followed by two years of aging in a 60/40 combination of used French and American oak barrels) Deep lurid ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berry, potpourri and fruitcake scents, along with suggestions of cola and smoky minerals. Concentrated and supple in texture, showing impressive depth and definition to the juicy black raspberry, cherry liqueur and mocha flavors. A suave floral quality emerges with air and carries through the very long, gently tannic finish, which leaves behind sweet red berry and vanilla notes. Drink: 2022-2032. (Feb 2019)"
93 points Decanter: "Viñedos del Contino was founded in 1973 by CVNE, with the aim of pioneering single estate wines in Rioja. This Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha from the estate, aged in French and American oak for two years and spending another year in bottle before release. Lifted and elegant aromas of black and red fruit lead to a smooth and silky cassis and black cherry palate with fine tannins, expanded by spice notes from the well-judged oak. Nothing is overplayed here: elegant and very enjoyable. Drinking Window: 2019-2029. (Nov 2019)"
93 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "Color: dark-red cherry. Nose: toasty, spicy, cocoa bean, ripe fruit. Palate: flavourful, toasty, fine bitter notes. (2019)"
94 points Tim Atkin, MW: "Picked early in 2015, as this is a warm site near the Ebro River, this impressive Reserva was made by Jesús Madrazo before he left Contino. The 10% Graciano brings some backbone and freshness to the wine, which is herbal, savoury and plush with notes of thyme and rosemary. 2020-30."
94 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "The 2015 Reserva is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% split between Mazuelo and Garnacha that wants to express the character of the Contino estate. It fermented in 12,000-liter stainless steel at 28 degrees to 30 degrees Cesius with 15 to 20 days of maceration and an élevage in 60% French and 40% American oak barrels for two years. It feels fresher than the 2014, and it also shows younger, with better integrated oak, subtle aromas and nice balance. It's medium-bodied, with very fine tannins and good freshness, integrated and balanced. I look forward to tasting the 2016 of this wine, because this 2015 is going in a direction that I like. Drink: 2019-2025. (Jun 2019)"
94 points and 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "Malty berry aromas are supported by cocoa, mocha and berry-fruit scents. This has a jammy plum and berry palate, with a ripe, slightly desiccated red-fruit-flavor profile. Depth and balance drive the finish, which is usually a good indication that aging will only help. Drink through 2040. (Sep 2019)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "(malo in stainless steel tanks, followed by two years of aging in a 60/40 combination of used French and American oak barrels) Deep lurid ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berry, potpourri and fruitcake scents, along with suggestions of cola and smoky minerals. Concentrated and supple in texture, showing impressive depth and definition to the juicy black raspberry, cherry liqueur and mocha flavors. A suave floral quality emerges with air and carries through the very long, gently tannic finish, which leaves behind sweet red berry and vanilla notes. Drink: 2022-2032. (Feb 2019)"
93 points Decanter: "Viñedos del Contino was founded in 1973 by CVNE, with the aim of pioneering single estate wines in Rioja. This Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha from the estate, aged in French and American oak for two years and spending another year in bottle before release. Lifted and elegant aromas of black and red fruit lead to a smooth and silky cassis and black cherry palate with fine tannins, expanded by spice notes from the well-judged oak. Nothing is overplayed here: elegant and very enjoyable. Drinking Window: 2019-2029. (Nov 2019)"
93 points Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine: "Color: dark-red cherry. Nose: toasty, spicy, cocoa bean, ripe fruit. Palate: flavourful, toasty, fine bitter notes. (2019)"
| Product SKU | 703047 |
| Producer | Contino (Cune) |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Varietal | Tempranillo/Tinto Fino |
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| ABV | 14.5% |
| Ships To |
