2015 - CVNE Contino Reserva, Rioja

(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.

85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 3% Garnacha, 2% Mazuelo. 90% of the winery’s production. Cooler harvest than average. Mainly French with a little American oak, more used than new. TA 5.5 g/l, pH 3.63, free SO2 35 mg/l, total SO2 113 mg/l.Mid-deep ruby. Ripe, red-cherry fruit, with beautifully layered clove and cedar oak spice notes. Lovely integration of oak and fruit. Well crafted, though there’s a good backbone of fine tannins that will carry it through for a decade from now. (TJ)