2005 Contino, Viña del Olivo, Rioja

This top Contino wine is invariably one of the top wines in all of Spain and the 2005 is no exception. Located near Logrono in La Rioja Alavesa, the vineyard is etched with serpentine assurance around a curve in the River Ebro. At its heart lies the eponymous hundred year-old olive tree, its shade pretty much the ideal setting for an al fresco luncheon or impromptu tasting. The 2005 is made up of 90 % Tempranillo with 9 % Graciano and 1% Mazuelo (whether 1% can make a significant difference it is difficult to surmise) and has been aged for 36 months in oak from a variety of different origins. It is rich and toasty, with a fine balance between dark berried fruit, flowers, minerals and spice; worth approaching from 2010 and will keep for up to a decade thereafter.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)