Contino

Rioja

2016 Contino Blanco

JUN 18 Pale lemon yellow. Apples, pears, fruity, ripe citrus and minerals nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity, pears, apples, fruity, vanilla, spices, good length. 89

2016 Contino Blanco

JUN 17 Barrel sample. Pale lemon yellow. Some yellow fruits, light minerals and vanilla, peach and ripe lemons nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity, apples, lemons, some spices, lovely balance, long finish. 91

2016 Contino Rosado

JUN 18 2707 bottles made. Garnet. Red berries, fruity, elegant nose, lighter. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity, lovely body, elegant and playful, good length. 87

2016 Contino Rosé

JUN 17 Bright garnet. Redcurrants, strawberries, raspberries and liquorice nose. Scented. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity, some spices, anise, refreshing, lovely balance, long. 89

2015 Contino Viña del Olivo

JUN 18 9328 bottles made. Ruby. Blueberries, floral, scented, detailed, nuanced, layered and intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, anise, spices, layered, detailed, intense. Cherries and minerals with more air. Drink over the next thirty five years, and I would wait at least ten even if this opens up now, long. 95

2015 Contino Graciano 

DEC 18 5607 bottles made. Ruby with purple rim, scented, dark fruity, spices, blueberries, layered nose, blackberries nose. Fresh acidity, even mouthwatering, playful, detailed, layered, spices, juicy and lively, refreshing, and long. Either you absolutely love this, or you might not. I adore it, deeply. 96

2015 Contino Graciano

JUN 18 5607 bottles made. Ruby. Anise, blueberries, spices, floral, scented, nuanced and layered, this will be stunning to smell a few years from now, already detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, elegant, playful, layered, intense, not the densest of these but superbly put together, long mineral finish. Drink over the next twenty years or so. 95

2015 Contino Graciano

JUN 17 Deep ruby. Blackberries, fruity, anise, some spices, dark berries, peppery, blueberries, some vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruity, spices, liquorice, detailed, mint and spices, nuanced, layered, intense, long. Mouthwatering. 95

2015 Contino Garnacha

JUN 18 Bright ruby. Red berries, fruity, anise, scented, elegant, some vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, anise, blueberries, juicy, long. 93

2015 Contino Blanco

JUN 17 9087 bottles made. Pale lemon yellow. Apples, grapefruits, some anise and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, fresh, some peach, apples, nuanced, detailed, some spices, long. 90

2015 Contino Rosado

JUL 18 1881 bottles made. Garnet. Red berries, some floral notes, very fruity nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, red berries, cherries, sweeter feel than last bottle, lacks some lift, good length. 84

2014 Contino Viña del Olivo 

DEC 18 Ruby. Blackberries, anise, spices, blueberries, ripe and fruity, dark berries nose, intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, spices, juicy, blueberries, layered, and deep, playful, touch more open than last bottle, long. 96

2014 Contino Viña del Olivo 

DEC 18 Deep ruby. Blueberries, anise, spices, scented, youthful, layered, detailed and complex if tight at this stage. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, lively, detailed, layered, soft and sweetish ripe fruit with playfulness to back it up, quite lively, long. 96

2014 Contino Viña del Olivo 

DEC 18 9696 bottles made. Ruby. Scented, blueberries, liquorice, blackberries, floral, detailed, intense and nuanced, layered nose, yet refined and delicate. Highly seductive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, playful, mouthwatering, nuanced, dark fruits, so incredibly refreshing, superb balance, this is one of the truly greats. Never ending finish. There is a playfulness to the 2014 vintage in Rioja that is so seductive. 97

2014 Contino Viña del Olivo

MAR 18 Ruby. Red berries, blueberries, anise, elegant, detailed, scented, intense, layered nose. Floral with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, juicy with freshness, elegant, playful, nuanced, long finish. 95

2014 Contino Viña del Olivo

JUN 17 9696 bottles made. Ruby. Blackberries, blueberries, liquorice, scented, fruity, dark berries, some floral notes towards lilies, vanilla and spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, anise and spices, blueberries, ripe and rich, long. 93

2014 Contino Graciano 

DEC 18 3060 bottles made. (This was 1531). Deep ruby, purple rim. Scented, already violets, blackberries, blueberries and a touch of vanilla almost leaps out of the glass with air. Dense yet lifted, minerals, graphite notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, juicy, raspberries, blackberries, spices, intense, layered, detailed, playful, mouthwatering. Such a beauty! Long. 96

2014 Contino Graciano

JUN 17 3060 bottles made. Deep ruby. Blackberries, tight, intense, some coffee, spices, some red fruits, touch of thyme and mint nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, some spices, fruity, red berries, anise, fresh and lively, detailed, long. 94

2014 Contino Reserva 

DEC 18 Ruby. Blackberries, blueberries, ripe, some liquorice, scented, tight nose, fruit driven and fairly intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruity, spices, anise, liquorice, smooth texture even if very young aroma wise. Long. 93

2014 Contino Reserva

SEP 18 Ruby. Blueberries, anise, some spices, fruity nose, scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, anise, spices, juicy, long. 91

2014 Contino Reserva

JUN 18 Ruby. Dark berries, red fruits, spices, scented, quite rich nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, anise, juicy, spices, red berries mid palate, nuanced, long. Drink over the next twenty five years. 91

2014 Contino Reserva

JAN 18 Ruby. Dark fruits, anise, spices, blueberries, some vanilla notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, spices, anise, blueberries, fruity, long. €25,10 92

2014 Contino Blanco

JUN 17 Pale lemon yellow. Fresh, fruity, peach, lemons, some grapefruits and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, fresh, fruity, minerals, peach, some citrus, bit smoky, long. 90

2014 Contino Blanco
MAR 17 Pale lemon yellow. Peach, fruity, some almonds nose. Fresh acidity, fruity, rounded, apples, peach and pears, light minerals note in the finish, good length. 88

2013 Contino Reserva

MAR 18 Ruby. Blackberries, vanilla, spices, liquorice nose, tight and intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blueberries, anise, some spices, juicy, detailed, long. 92

2012 Contino Reserva

DEC 18 Ruby. Scented. Blackberries, blueberries, violets, liquorice, some light vanilla and spices notes, intense, already heading towards seductive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruity, spices, juicy, liquorice, with blackberries liveliness behind. Long juicy finish, playful. 93

2012 Contino Reserva 

DEC 18 Ruby. Blueberries, spices, ripe notes, some vanilla, blackberries, fairly intense and youthful nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, juicy, spices, anise, dark berries, rounded texture with freshness, long. 92

2012 Contino Reserva

MAY 18 Ruby. Blackberries, liquorice, fruity nose, anise, quite intense, some spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, anise, some spices, juicy, liquorice, nuanced, long.91

2012 Contino Reserva

APR 18 Ruby. Blueberries, anise, liquorice, light spicy note nose, faint minerals beneath. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, spices, liquorice, juicy, elegant depth to it, lovely balance, long. Drink over the next fifteen years. 91

2012 Contino Reserva

JAN 18 Ruby. Blackberries, anise, blueberries, fruity nose, dark berries and spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark berries, anise, spices, blackberries and blueberries, some vanilla, long. €25,10 92

2012 Contino Blanco

NOV 15 Pale lemon yellow. Apples, light peach note nose, lighter fruit, quite elegant. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruity, some apples, pears, a lighter style, more elegant, good length, quite smooth. 88

2012/2014 Contino Rosado
MAR 1200 bottles made. Pale red. Red fruity nose, strawberries. Fresh acidity, fruity, red berries, fresh and fruity, fuller bodied rosé. Blend of two vintages. 86

2011 Contino Vino del Olivo

JUN 17 Ruby. Blueberries, vanilla, spices, blackberries, some liquorice and raspberries touch, faint peppery note, scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, some spices, juicy, firmer texture behind, detailed and long. 95

2011 Contino Viña del Olivo
MAR 17 9650 bottles made. Ruby. Blueberries, spices, some vanilla and spices, intense nose, blackberries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, dark berries and spices, quite intense, long. 94

2011 Contino Viña del Olivo

NOV 16 Ruby. Dark fruity, blackberries, blueberries, some vanilla, spices, ripe and rich nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, ripe, fruity, dark berries, fruity, spices, anise, intense, nuanced, long. Juicy. 95

2011 Contino Viña del Olivo

NOV 15 9650 bottles made. Ruby. Scented, dark berries, anise, lovely nose, blueberries and a light thyme note. Some vanilla and spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark berries, anise, some blueberries and liquorice, long. 93

2011 Contino Graciano 

DEC 18 Deep ruby, thin purple rim. Dark fruits, intense, layered, blueberries, blackberries, liquorice, focused and fairly tight. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dense yet refreshing, open and playful, layered, dark fruity, spicy and exotic and highly lively, long. 96

2011 Contino Graciano

DEC 18 Ruby. Blueberries, scented, cherries, mint, liquorice, touch of violets and rises, intense, nearly leaps out if the glass, touch of iron minerals beneath. Stunning nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, playful and even mouthwatering, refreshing as few, dark fruits and light spicy characters, detailed and nuanced, just so lively. Incredible stuff! 96

2011 Contino Graciano

JUN 17 2710 bottles made. Ruby. Scented, blackberries, raspberries, some anise and spices, scented nose, detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruit core, blueberries with red fruity notes, refreshing and playful, layered, long. 95

2011 Contino Graciano

NOV 15 2710 bottles made. Ruby. Dark berries, some chocolate, vanilla, spices, scented, mulberries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, detailed, quite lively, elegant, lively, detailed and long. 94

2011 Contino Gran Reserva 

DEC 18 Ruby. Blueberries, touch of pine wood, liquorice, touch of vanilla and spices, quite intense nose even if tight and young. Fresh acidity, ripe, silky (but enough still to have structure) tannins, playful, dark fruits, spices, juicy, nuanced, richer yet playful, some red fruity core with lush dark fruits around. Long. Wait at least ten years more, will soldier on for another fifteen after that. 94

2011 Contino Reserva

FEB 18 Ruby. Blackberries, anise, some spices, blueberries, vanilla, quite intense, ripe nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark berries, anise, spices, blueberries, fruity, long. 93

2011 Contino Reserva

JAN 18 Ruby. Dark fruits, anise, some spices, liquorice, blueberries nose, faintly scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, anise, blueberries, some vanilla, elegant texture, long finish. 92

2011 Contino Reserva

AUG 17 Bright ruby. Red berries, fruity, blackberries, anise, liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, some anise and spices, long. Juicy finish. 92

2011 Contino Reserva

JUN 17 Ruby. Fruity, dark berries, some anise and spices, vanilla, detailed, blueberries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, some red fruits, anise, spices, detailed, ling. 92

2011 Contino Reserva

JUN 17 Ruby. Blueberries, blackberries, some anise and spices nose. Touch of vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, some spices, juicy, detailed, long. 92

2010 Contino Gran Reserva

JUN 18 Magnum. Ruby. Anise, blueberries, raspberries some floral notes, scented, mint and eucalyptus. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, dark fruits, red berries, mint and eucalyptus, long. Bit narrow. With air it opens up, needs fifteen years plus. 93

2010 Contino Gran Reserva

JUN 18 3000 magnums made. Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, spices, floral, quite intense nose even if tight at this stage. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, blueberries, dense and ripe, spices, nuanced, long. Drink from 2025 and over the next twenty five years after. 93

2010 Contino Reserva
AUG 16 Ruby. Dark fruits, some spices, blueberries, plums and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, spices, liquorice, sweet notes, rounded finish, long. 91

2009 Contino Vino del Olivo

JUN 17 Ruby. Dark fruits, blueberries, liquorice, spices, some vanilla, blackberries nose, touch of plums. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lovely fruit and texture, beautiful balance even at 14 alcohol, no warmth, just juicy and lively, long. 94

2009 Contino Graciano

DEC 18 Bottle 1911 of 3090 made. Blueberries, blackberries, touch of earthy notes, thyme, graphite notes showing more intensely, touch of tobacco and cassis, depth and intensity yet grace. Evolving. Fresh and lively acidity, ripe tannins, some structure behind the ripe fruit, playful, detailed, has aged gracefully since last bottle, getting more subtle and in depth loosing nothing of its initial qualities. This is mind blowing. Stunning length! Drink over the next twenty five years or so, even if I have never tasted an older vintage. But there is so much more to go on. 97

2009 Contino Graciano
MAR 17 3090 bottles made. Blackberries, fruity, cherries, liquorice, light floral note, nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, red berries and spices, anise, elegant and playful, long. 94

2009 Contino Graciano
MAR 15 Rubinrød. Rik duft, mørke bær, krydder, noe alkohol på topp. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, rik, intens, sødmefull, blåbær og bjørnebær, rik, kjøttfull, lang. 92

2009 Contino Gran Reserva

JUN 17 2747 magnums made. Ruby. Blackberries, blueberries, some anise, spices, raspberries touch, liquorice, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, anise, some spices, long finish. 93

2009 Contino Reserva
MAR 17 Kun 1200 flasker av en deklassifisert vin. Slippes kun i Norge på Vinmonopolet, så all annen 2009 Reserva alle andre land er den vanlige Reservaen. Denne er en spesiallaget tapping til en Bocusse d'or restaurant som aldri betalte. Ruby. Blueberries, some anise, some vanilla nose, intense nose, elegant, light exotic note. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, red berries, some spices, liquorice, elegant and detailed, long. 93

2008 Contino Gran Reserva

FEB 18 Ruby. Blackberries, blueberries, anise and spices, ripe and rich, some mint nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, blueberries, anise, fruity, fruity, fairly intense, nuanced and long. 93

2008 Contino Reserva
SEP 15 Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, intense, red and blueberries, anise and leather nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, juicy, ripe berries, dark fruits, long liquorice finish. 92

2008 Contino Reserva
MAR 15 Rubinrød. Mørke bær, fruktig, estragon touch, solbær, vanilje og krydder. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, frisk, syrlig, fruktig, intens, noe sødmefull finish. 88

2007 Contino Viña del Olivo
MAR 17 Magnum Ruby. Cherries, liquorice, fruity, some spices, ripe, rich and intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, liquorice and leather, some vanilla, elegant freshness, fairly playful, long. 94

2007 Contino Viña del Olivo

AUG 15 Deepish ruby. Coffee, black tea, blue- and blackberries, vanilla and toast on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, intense, sweet notes, liquorice and blueberries, vanilla, fairly firm finish still, long. 94

2007 Contino Viña del Olivo
MAR 15 Rubinrød. Blåbær, lakris, vanilje, krydder, intens duft, rik men flere lag. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, rik, fruktig, detaljert, sødmefull men fin friskhet, lang. 92

2007 Contino Gran Reserva
MAR 17 2488 magnums made. Ruby. Spices, liquorice, cherries, blueberries, exotic spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, some spices, anise, blackberries, long finish. 92

2005 Contino Viña del Olivo

NOV 16 Ruby. Dark fruits, some spices, blueberries, liquorice, intense, ripe fruits, dark berries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, juicy, elegant and nuanced, blackberries, long. 95

2004 Contino Gran Reserva
MAR 15 Rubinrød. Rik, mørke bær, fruktig duft, lakris, blåbær, intens duft. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, frisk, livlig, fruktig, detaljert, nesten leken, lang finish, noe kaffe og kirsebær. 93

2001 Contino Reserva

NOV 16 Corked.

2000 Contino Viña del Olivo

OCT 18 Ruby. Anise, figs, dates, spices, bit earthy, liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, some tannins, anise, spices, liquorice, bit mature for its age, long. Not quite like last bottle. Cork show signs seepage. 91

2000 Contino Viña del Olivo

DEC 18 Ruby, brick rim. Figs, dates, blueberries, anise, blackberries, mint and spices, Christmas spice touch yo it, slightly exotic and bright. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, detailed, playful, elegant, minty and dark fruity, fairly exotic, lovely balance, long. Drink over the next twenty years or so depending on how you like it. 96

2000 Contino Viña del Olivo

FEB 18 Ruby. Blackberries, anise, blueberries, fruity, some spices, scented, some violets, liquorice, has more depth than last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, anise, some spices, ripe and rich, fruity, blackberries, long. 95

2000 Contino Viña del Olivo

JAN 18 Ruby, garnet rim. Blueberries, blackberries, some anise, spices, fruity, dark berries, rich and ripe. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, anise, some red fruits core, detailed, very slightly balsamic touch, lovely balance, long. Beautiful wine. Bought for €49,95. 94

1999 Contino Viña del Olivo 

DEC 18 Ruby, thin garnet rim. Dried fruits, figs, dates, blueberries, anise, spices, some scented high notes, nuanced, lightly floral with air, opens up nicely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blueberries, liquorice, spices, nuanced, detailed, quite intense, lovely balance, long. Medium bodied and quite graceful. Drink over the next five years or so. 94

1999 Contino Viña del Olivo 

DEC 18 Ruby. Blueberries, anise, fruity, some sous bois, exotic spices, figs, prunes and dates, a mote mature bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe and fairly soft tannins, juicy, some mint, blueberries, figs, dates, touch of leather and sweet tobacco, black tea, long. 94

1999 Contino Viña del Olivo

FEB 18 Ruby. Dark fruity, anise, blueberries, some dates, scented, detailed, layered, stunning nose. Some red fruits. Mint and a faint chocolate note. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, anise, some spices, detailed, elegant texture, long and nuanced. Seductive. Firmer than 1996. 95

1999 Contino Viña del Olivo

FEB 18 Ruby. Dark fruity, anise, blueberries, some dates, scented, detailed, layered, stunning nose. Some red fruits. Mint and a faint chocolate note. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, anise, some spices, detailed, elegant texture, long and nuanced. Seductive. Firmer than 1996. 95

1998 Contino Crianza

FEB 18 Bright ruby, garnet rim. Lightly scented, bit shy nose, red berries, some dates, light exotic spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, anise, some liquorice, elegant freshness, playful, lovely balance, rounded, long. 91

1996 Contino Viña del Olivo 

DEC 18 Ruby with thin brick rim. Figs, blueberries, anise, a leaner and more mature bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, again leaner, lacks some fruit and body, good length. 89

1996 Contino Viña del Olivo 

DEC 18 Ruby. Blueberries, some figs, dates, prunes, slight eucalyptus note, not the most intense nose, quite mature. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet and sour behind with prunes and figs over, a bit leaner bodied yet it feels darker and heavier, long. Not on the level of last bottle. 91

1996 Contino Reserva Viña del Olivo

FEB 18 Bright ruby. Anise, blueberries, some spices, blackberries, touch of pepper, denser nose than last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, anise, some spices, blackberries, quite intense, long finish. 95

1996 Contino Viña del Olivo

FEB 18 19.416 bottles made. Brilliant ruby. Leaps out of the glass, red berries, blueberries, spices, nuanced, detailed, seductive, raspberries, layered, stunning nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, spices, layered, nuanced, playful, some plums and figs, Christmas spices, long. 95

1995 Contino Crianza

DEC 18 Ruby, garnet rim. Starting out earthy, figs, dates, spices, exotic notes, liquorice and blueberries, quite intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dried fruits, spices, anise, figs and dates, blueberries far back, this bottle has more intensity than all the others so far, also a better cork with less discoloration (1cm). Long elegant finish. Even so, drink over the next few years, it is fully mature. 94

1995 Contino Crianza 

DEC 18 Ruby, brick rim. This bottle leaves some of the other in the dust and it is fascinating with bottle variations, especially when they come from the same source, spending their life together. Dried fruits, intense nose, figs, dates and blueberries, exotic spices. Touch of sweet tobacco. Fresh acidity, dried fruits, ripe tannins getting soft, beautiful concentration and you wonder how this can be a Crianza, exotic fruits, layered, deeper, touch of sweet cherries, dates, some exotic spices, quite mouthwatering. The best bottle yet. Beautiful length. 94

1995 Contino Crianza 

DEC 18 Ruby core, brick rim. Sous bois, earthy, spices, cherries, figs and dates. Leaner nose, also a more mature bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, dried fruits, a pure red fruity nerve, making it leaner but also somewhat more refreshing than earlier bottles. Getting some exotic spices with air, long. 91

1995 Contino Crianza 

DEC 18 Tired. 

1995 Contino Crianza

DEC 18 Ruby with broad brick rim. Figs, earthy, dates, mint notes, floral, fully mature, quite intense nose. Fresh acidity, few tannins left, sweet and sour, cherries, figs, dates, anise, spices, elegant texture, long. 90

1995 Contino Crianza

DEC 18 Ruby core with brick rim, quite a bit of sediments. Anise, sous bois, dates and figs nose. Fresh if subtle acidity, ripe tannins now fading, elegant fully mature texture, if you have it, drink it over the next year or two. Dried fruits. Long finish. Drink over the next five years. 91

1995 Contino Crianza

JUL 18 Ruby, brick rim. Figs, dates, liquorice, some blueberries, some tobacco and exotic spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, cherries, blueberries, spices, detailed, nuanced, tobacco, long. 93

1995 Contino Crianza

JUL 18 Ruby, brick rim. Earthy, figs, dates, liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, earthy, figs, dates, anise, leaner fruit and body, good length. 89

1995 Contino Crianza

FEB 18 Bright ruby, brick rim. Anise, figs, dates, some spices, floral notes, building with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, some spices, soft and gentle texture, more mature than last bottle, soothing and delicate, long. 89

1995 Contino Crianza

JAN 18 Bright ruby, very thin brick rim. Blackberries, anise, some spices, liquorice nose, some figs, deeper nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, liquorice, spices, peppery, blackberries, some anise and chocolate, dark berries, some dates, quite intense, long. Christmas spices and minerals with more air. Bought for €18,- in January 2018. 93

1994 Contino Reserva

JAN 18 Bottom neck fill. Bright ruby, brick rim. Red berries, some liquorice, some figs and dates nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, maturing, dates, figs, some liquorice, lighter than the 95 besides it, liquorice, some minerals, probably not a perfect bottle with that fill level, good length. Bought for €18,- in January 2018. 89

1981 Contino Reserva 

DEC 18 Ruby core, brick rim. Spicy, anise, figs, dates, exotic, intense, liquorice, layered, even more mature bottle, nuanced. Fresh acidity, no tannins left, smooth texture, figs, dates, nuanced, again fully mature but so soothing texture, this bottle with soaked cork was drink now, as most of them are. 95

1981 Contino Riserva

SEP 18 Ruby, brick rim. Red berries, some rose hips, figs, liquorice, leather, dates nose. Fresh acidity, few tannins, anise, liquorice, spices, leaner, long. Opens up beautifully with air, nuanced, detailed, layered, detailed, long. 96

1981 Contino Reserva

SEP 18 Soaked cork. Bright ruby, orange rim. Scented, dates, exotic spices, some wood polish, truffles, violets nose, detailed. Tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, red berries, anise, spices, nuanced, refreshing, soothing and elegant, nuanced, long. 95

1981 Contino 

MAY 18 Ruby. Some blueberries, exotic spices, superb Earl Gray tea note, cherries, figs, dates, very mature nose, touch floral nose, very mature. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, cherries, spices, some mint, blueberries, nuanced, brilliant expression, this might be the leanest bottle so far but has more or less all the nuances in a lighter note as the best ones. Refined. Spicy. 96

1981 Contino Reserva

FEB 18 Ruby core, thin brick rim, soaked cork. Figs, dates, som cherries, some spices, more evolved than the last two bottles, mahogany. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner body, structured, elegant, more evolved, leaner, some dried fruits, dates, raisins, some tobacco, elegant, still detailed, long. 94

1981 Contino Reserva

FEB 18 Low neck fill. Brilliant bright ruby, thin brick rim. Figs, dates, some mint, liquorice, tobacco, highly scented, seductive as few, layered, Christmas spices, stunning nose. Fresh acidity, few tannins, figs, dates, some blueberries, liquorice, ever so slightly denser than last bottle, bright, fruity, nuanced, mouthwatering, layered and deep, incredible length. Stunning. This is liquid magic once again! 100. 

1981 Contino Reserva

FEB 18 Mid neck fill. Bright ruby, brick rim. Earthy, sous bous, figs, dates, Christmas spices, elegant, layered, lovely depth, nuanced, some leather and fine tobacco nose. Stunning nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, detailed, figs, dates and mint, smooth texture yet some structure behind, the few tannins that are left are somewhat green but it really doesn't matter. A beauty to behold. Superb! Black tea, bergamot, refined, the green tannins get overblown by the fruit with air, develops fairly rapidly in the glass. Unicorn wine, found in a bottom shelf in a shop in Spain, paying €36,- incredibly! 100