Contino

Sort By:

Contino 2004 Single Vineyard Graciano (Rioja)

Price $138

Varietal Graciano will never fit into the mold of “tried and true,” but this 2004 from top-level producer Contino shows the grape in its most positive light. The nose is natural, with hints of cola and ripe berries. The feel is brawny and intense, with semi-searing acids offset by ripe tannins. Finishes well, with a cleansing wave of red fruit and citrusy flavors… — M.S. (8/1/2008)

points

Contino 2001 Reserva Red (Rioja)

Online Exclusive

Price $42

Closed early on, the nose eventually opens to reveal earthy fruit aromas backed by cinnamon, clay and red pepper flake. Bright cherry fruit flavors on the palate are envigorating, while background raspberry notes are intensified by chocolate and a touch of oak-based dill. Modern but still sort of classical; nice in an approachable way. — M.S. (2/1/2007)

points

Contino 2001 Vina del Olivo Red (Rioja)

Price $120

With density and purity, this is yet another fine Rioja from 2001. Contino is CUNE’s so-called “modern” label, and the wine delivers ripe plum and cherry, with oak-driven cinnamon, nutmeg and chocolate playing supporting roles. A textbook 21st-century wine, with all the right parts in all the right places — M.S. (6/1/2005)

points

Contino 1996 Gran Reserva Tempranillo (Rioja)

Price $65

Heavy and rustic, with smoked game, rubber and bacon on a condensed nose. Woodsy and leafy, with flavors of dried cherry, vanilla, pepper and coffee. Acidic and tannic, with structure to push it on for another 20 years. But where would be the fruit and fun? Already it needs food. Imported by Pasternak Wine Imports. — M.S. (8/1/2005)

points

Contino 1999 Reserva Tempranillo (Rioja)

Price $42

Open and downright fruity for an old-school wine. The bouquet is sweet and rubbery, while the palate delivers plum and blackberry along with chocolate and vanilla. Big tannins are firm but friendly, and the body is sturdy. Not sharp but modestly aggressive. Imported by Pasternak Wine Imports. — M.S. (8/1/2005)

points

Contino 2000 Single Vineyard Graciano (Rioja)

Price $95

Perfumed and polished, with tar and black-cherry aromas. Not often do you see varietal Graciano; usually it’s a component supporting Tempranillo. But here it offers boysenberry flavors and a linear structure. Sturdy, a bit tangy, and different. Imported by Pasternak Wine Imports. — M.S. (8/1/2005)

points

Contino 2000 Reserva Red (Rioja)

Price $42

Lots of cherry, fresh-cut wood, charcoal and green herbs on the lively entry. A second act of snappy cherry fruit and citrus rind is zesty and might be a bit too much for some. But with food, Contino will be a fine, table-worthy companion. Imported by Pasternak Wine Imports. — M.S. (2/1/2006)

points

Contino 2005 Single Vineyard Viña del Olivo Red (Rioja)

Price $147

Put this wine through its paces and see if you also find overdone oak and salty resin as well as tangy but bulky fruit, herbal hints and bouncy acidity. It gets better with airing, which leads us to believe that this wine’s best days are still ahead of it. — M.S. (10/1/2008)

Most Reviewed Designations

Gran Reserva Reserva Single Vineyard Single Vineyard Crianza Single Vineyard Reserva Single Vineyard Viña del Olivo Vina del Olivo

Most Reviewed Varietals

Graciano Red Blend Tempranillo Tempranillo Blend

2007 Trump Brut SP Reserve

Rich and luscious scents of baked apple, dried pineapple, honeyed…

(Sponsored)