Wine: Contino 1986 Reserva
Winery: Viñedos del Contino (Laserna-Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winery: Viñedos del Contino (Laserna-Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 15% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking:
Crafted exclusively from estate-grown grapes from the 52-hectare property, consisting of 60% old vines and 40% younger vines. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine rested for 6 months in concrete vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization before aging. Matured for 24 months in second-year 225-liter French and American oak barrels (50/50). Limited production of 203,192 bottles and 3,164 magnums. Aged for a minimum of 36 months in the winery’s cellars before release.
Crafted exclusively from estate-grown grapes from the 52-hectare property, consisting of 60% old vines and 40% younger vines. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine rested for 6 months in concrete vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization before aging. Matured for 24 months in second-year 225-liter French and American oak barrels (50/50). Limited production of 203,192 bottles and 3,164 magnums. Aged for a minimum of 36 months in the winery’s cellars before release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-red with medium-high depth; opaque and matte with muted
brilliance. Faint amber reflections. A large amount of sediment is
present at the base in the form of large vertical scales. Broad orange
rim, showing a marked contrast against the meniscus.
Nose:
High intensity with a strong tertiary character. It opens with notes of
black truffle, old leather, wet fur, and ferruginous hints (blood),
alongside leaf litter and fungal undertones. An initial "attic dust" and
waxiness recedes with aeration, cleaning up toward vegetal notes, ivy,
cigar tobacco, roasted cocoa, and vanilla. A growing presence of
liqueur-like fruit emerges. It is a demanding nose, packed with
high-quality information, though currently lacking a bit of unity and
order.
Palate:
Mature and slightly warm on the palate, showing good structure and
concentration. It possesses a certain tannic grip that could be mistaken
for hardness—high-quality but slightly marked tannins. Overall, it is
approachable and smooth, with the oak providing creamy toast, fine
bitters, and intense spicy notes. Full and broad, it retains a core of
vitality thanks to its very correct acidity.
Commentary:
This 1986 benefits greatly from aeration, which helps the fruit emerge and polishes its initial edges. While it sits slightly below the 1987 vintage and far from the legendary heights of the 1981 or 1982, it remains a very good wine. It has reached a stage where it is better not to wait much longer to enjoy it.
This 1986 benefits greatly from aeration, which helps the fruit emerge and polishes its initial edges. While it sits slightly below the 1987 vintage and far from the legendary heights of the 1981 or 1982, it remains a very good wine. It has reached a stage where it is better not to wait much longer to enjoy it.
Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: N/A
Tasting Group Average: N/A
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