Contino 1981 Reserva

Wine: Contino 1981 Reserva
Winery: Viñedos del Contino (Laserna-Laguardia, Álava)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo.
ABV: 13%

Winemaking
Exclusively crafted from estate-grown grapes from the property’s 52 hectares. Primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by 6 months in concrete vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization prior to racking. Aged for 24 months in 225-liter barriques (50% French and 50% American oak). Limited production of 118,967 bottles (75cl). A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging was completed in the winery’s cellars prior to release. Notably, this was the first vintage presented in a Bordeaux-style bottle.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Luminous reddish-ruby of medium-high depth. Remarkable color stability with orange and reddish glints and a copper-toned rim. Slight sediment present, consistent with its age and minimal intervention.

 

Nose: Displays immense refinement -intense, perfumed, and mature. It opens with concentrated fruit liqueur notes underpinned by an elegant bouquet of dried flower petals. As it breathes, it gains complexity, revealing earthy undertones, forest floor (sous-bois), black truffle, and morels (múrgulas). Tertiary aromas are world-class: smoked spices, aromatic coffee, exotic woods, Russian leather, humidor, and English pipe tobacco. A non-traditional Rioja of extraordinary precision and ethereal quality.

 

Palate: Savory, solid, and exceptionally agile. It strikes a perfect balance between depth and a "vaporous" elegance. The palate is packed with fruit and a nuanced sweetness, perfectly countered by a vibrant, racing acidity. The tannins are magnificent—silky yet lively and firm. This is a wine of absolute integration and roundness. Arguably the finest Contino ever produced, showing a structural integrity that promises many more years of evolution. A rare gem of Rioja viticulture.

 

Personal Score: 97
Tasting Group Score: 97