C.V.N.E.

Made from 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, and aged extensively in both French and American oak, the 2001 Imperial is all that one would expect from this great House in this great vintage. Disarmingly approachable, or so it seems, the wine’s full complexity becomes evident on the palate as it is savoured. Drink 2010-2016.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer

Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana (CVNE) was founded in 1879 by the Real de Asua brothers and nearly 140 years later their descendants are still in charge of what is now a considerable operation.  In 1973 they created Contino, the first single-estate concept in the Rioja region, and the single vineyard Viña del Olivo is located in one of the best areas of Rioja near Logroño in La Rioja Alavesa. Hugging the banks of the river Ebro the vines surround a 1,000-year-old olive tree, hence its name, and the resulting wines are hugely impressive, sophisticated yet understated.

The 2008 is made up of 88 percent Tempranillo and 12 percent Graciano with ageing for 36 months in oak of various origins. The wine is subsequently rich and deep; however there is balance and harmony beneath the rippling musculature.

From the magnificent 2004 Contino Rioja Gran Reserva vintage, a rare parcel of magnums, kindly offered to BBR by Jesus Madrazo. Although still relatively youthful, every aspect of the wine betrays pedigree, from the rich and still somewhat foursquare nose all the way through to the seamlessly silky tannins, which enrobe the wine with an almost maternal indulgence. To be laid down for a special dinner party.
(Simon Field MW , BBR Buyer)

The flagship from Contino is invariably one of the top wines in all of Spain and the 2007 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 perfect setting for an al fresco luncheon or impromptu tasting, ideally with the former immediately following the latter. The 2007 is made up of 88 % Tempranillo and 12 % Graciano and has been aged for 36 months in oak from a variety of different origins, mainly France, the USA and Hungary It is rich and toasty, with a fine balance between dark berried fruit, flowers, minerals and spice; worth approaching from 2012 and will keep for up to a decade thereafter.
(Simon Field MW , BBR Buyer)

Judicious fruit selection and attention to detail in the winery have negated any problems arising from a challenging growing season, which culminated in the old meteorological one-two of too little, then too much rain. The perfumed Graciano constitues around 10% of this blend, and must take some credit for a nose rich in black fruit, floral aromas and sweet spice. Equally assertive (and delicious) on the palate, this will continue to gain in complexity and finesse over the next several years. 
Will Heslop - Buying Department Until 31st August 2017 this product is discounted by 25%. Prices shown include discount; no further discount will be applied at checkout.