2017 Tinto Reserva
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Tasting notes
Deep cherry with narrow brick rim. The dark-red fruits are lifted by a marked oaky/vanilla sweetness. Sweet and red-fruited on the palate too but the freshness cuts right through it to reverberate on the finish. Still very young. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo. Winemaker: Jorge Navascués. RS 0 g/l. Vegan. 2017 was a difficult year in Rioja marked by hard frost in the early season, but the Contino vineyards were protected. A pre-fermentation cold soak and ambient-yeast fermentation was followed by maceration and malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged for two years in barrels of American and French oak. Final ageing was completed in bottle before release. Mid, bright garnet. How lovely to smell a wine that is both gorgeous and so obviously traditional rioja. Perfectly judged. So rich and yet appetising. Savoury and really quite beautiful. Zesty, long and glorious. VGV (JR)
Inky ruby. Spice-accented dark berry and cherry aromas are complemented by floral, vanilla and smoky mineral flourishes. Appealingly sweet and fleshy in the mouth, offering juicy blackberry, cherry cola and baking spice flavors that firm up on the back half. Finishes pliant and long, with repeating floral and spice notes and even tannins that add shape and gentle grip.
Aromas of chocolate, smoked meat and berries. Really perfumed and subtle. The palate is full-bodied with ripe, creamy tannins that show tension and poise. Mellow and fine. So silky and brilliant. Complex. Polished. Drink now or hold.