Bodegas y Viñedos del Contino Rioja Viña del Olivo

This is amazing! Perfect estate and drinking window right in the center. Fresh fruits, ripe fruits, structure, tannin all is very balanced. It's deep, rich, concentrated without any fat. We loved it. Drank at the Venta del Montcalvillo !

Uno de los grandes vinos de España. Chus Madrazo sacó en esta añada calurosa lo mejor de su parcela estrella. De color picota de buena capa con destellos granate. Destaca por la nítida expresión de fruta roja que muestra sobre un fondo algo tostado, hay toques balsámicos, algún matiz especiado, suaves matices florales y una ligera mineralidad en el fondo. En boca tiene buen ataque, cuerpo medio, excelente sensación de fruta, buena acidez, una estructura firme pero ligera, notable persistencia …

seemed too young

Deep red with purple robe. I feared it would be a 'purple' wine or not in a good place right now but I wanted to demonstrate balanced 'modern' Rioja to a friend. My concern was unfounded. The nose had a wonderful perfumed lift to it. In the mouth this was soft as silk. There was toasty oak but it was present and not dominant. Vibrant fruit still in a primary phase. This wine was balanced, real presence and very rounded …

Dinner at La Mar Salada (Barcelona) : Opened for 30+ min. Medium ruby color, a lof of sediments in glass, opposite to the 2001 tasted along. Very subtle nose, a bit muted, floral and made of red fruit. Smooth on palate, red fruit, a bit alcoholic. Medium finish. This looks like to be still too young.

2004 vs. 2005 in Spain with Helio San Miguel (New York) : Black with deep ruby rim. Nose of sweet black fruit and spice, some dry grain and oaky notes, a touch of alcohol. Medium to full bodied on the palate, a touch drying at the middle but very nice. Group ranking #10, my #9. Helio felt it had the most fruit of any of the wines, and good balance.

Wine Education Service - Mature Rioja (LSE) : Opaque and blackcurrant coloured. A restrained nose, fruity, menthol, linseed oil. A fruity attack, very fruity, soft tannins, a tad too much oak, great length.