C.V.N.E.

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

This wine is dominated by Tempranillo, with a smattering of Graciano & Mazuelo added for good measure. Maturation takes place in new French & American oak and one has to wait patiently for 24 months prior to bottling. The nose is impressive in both depth and elegance, with damson, dark chocolate & forest floor.

The palate continues the theme of black fruit with plum and morello cherry in evidence but a warmth akin to spice box on the finish is a welcome & eye brow raising surprise. The overall impression is one of harmony and balance; ripe fruit, finely woven tannins & a linear acidity render this a wine which will enter the pantheon of greats.
Nick Stewart - Buying Department

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)

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, Fine Wine Buyer

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