The 2017 Gran Reserva is based on 82% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and the rest Mazuelo and Garnacha that comes from a selection of the best parcels on the estate. It has a deeper plum hue to go with a brilliantly complex nose of ripe plums, smoked tobacco, incense, and tobacco, with a subtle earthy, chocolaty undertone. Aged two years in small barrels, it's medium to full-bodied, has a plush, layered mouthfeel, plenty of underlying tannins, and a great, great finish. This beauty builds nicely with time in the glass and is a riveting Rioja to enjoy over the coming 15-20 years.
95 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2024)
The Contino vineyards escaped the frost from 2017, and the 2017 Gran Reserva, from a warm and dry year, is a blend of 82% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano and 3% Garnacha, the selection of the best grapes from different plots in the estate. This is 100% from the new team and from a vintage they consider very good for their property, different than the majority of Rioja. The idea is to follow the long aging in oak to continue with the tradition and keeping the freshness and controlling the power from the place. This is hedonistic and flattering, spicy after maturing in French barrique for 24 months. They harvested earlier than ever, in early September, and the wine reached 13.52% and has very good freshness with a pH of 3.47. It's round and enjoyable, fresher than the last vintage I had tried. 29,483 bottles and 1,000 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2020.
94 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Jul 2022)
A fruity and juicy red with round tannins and savory fruit. Medium to full body and a creamy texture. Hints of caramel and meat to the dark fruit. 85% tempranillo, 10% graciano, 5% mazuelo and garnacha. Enjoyable now.
94 points, James Suckling (May 2022)
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