C.V.N.E - Contino Reserva 2006

Wine Advocate #195 Jun 2011 - Jay Miller - The 2006 Contino Reserva is the same blend and received the same elevage as the 2007. Mineral, spice box, tobacco, and leather notes jump from the glass of this elegantly styled Rioja. Impeccably balanced and lengthy, it will continue to deliver enjoyment through 2026. Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana (C.V.N.E.) is known colloquially to most Spanish wine drinkers as Cune. The company was founded in 1879 by the Real de Asua brothers and still remains in control of their direct descendants. In the 1920s ownership started Vina Real and in 2004 a new winery was built in Laguardia. In 1973 Contino was created to further the concept of the single estate winery and has since been one of the principal leaders in the resurrection of the nearly extinct Graciano grape.

Tasted May 2012 - Deep crimson. Lots of pure fruit and just the merest sprinkling of dust. Very savoury and well balanced. This is proper wine – good choice! Luscious balance of ripe fruit without excessive oak or alcohol. Interesting. Real wine.

Web Only 2011 - Cherry, vanilla, herb and tobacco flavors mingle in this straightforward red, which has lively acidity and light, firm tannins. A racy wine, in the traditional style. Drink now through 2015. –TM

Sept/Oct 2011 by Josh Raynolds - Saturated ruby. Complex, smoky scents of red- and blackcurrant, dried cherry, tobacco and rose, with subtle vanilla and spice notes in the background. A fleshy, seamless midweight that offers sweet red and dark berry and bitter cherry flavors underscored by tangy minerality. Finishes with very good thrust and clarity, repeating the cherry note. Drink this well before the 2005 version.