2009 Contino Reserva Rioja

94 points Tim Atkins: "Rich but not over-ripe, this is typical of the full-bodied, yet structured style that Contino produces. Deeply coloured and aromatic, it unfurls flavours of tobacco, liquorice, plum and blackberry, supported by subtle oak and the acidity that‰۪s a feature of the site. 2015-28." In 1973, Contino was founded and became the first of first of the new wave of single vineyard Rioja estates. Today, winemaker Jes̼s Madrazo makes some of Rioja's finest wines, polished and comparably modern, but with a sense of balance and restraint that gives them amazing elegance and great longevity. Simply put, this is modern Rioja executed perfectly. Contino's Rioja also boasts a healthy 10% dollop of older vine Graciano, which enhances the wine's color, freshness and ageability. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer)