Wow this is really an excellent Rioja. It is smooth, full-flavored but not overly oaked in any way, shape or form. it has come into its own and we wish we had purchased more bottles of the 2012!
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Score was for drinking now/PNP. Materially better after 2 days open in the fridge - up to a 91 or 92 with better integration, and the classic leather, wood, and herbs of good rioja. Sorry not to have any more bottles, but this really needs another year or two to be at it's best.
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Biarritz. Second bottle, after one of Remelluri, 2009. A bit disappointed with the “transition”, feeling like going from a smooth, older (it was!) wine to one that lacked depth and tasted a bit chemical. On its own, the second day, it seemed to have improved.
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Very much as my last note. Integrated subtle oak, dark berry fruit with a hint of florals and smooth tannins - all fully mature and mellow. Easy and more than enjoyable enough drinking but in the end lacks that je ne sais quoi to take it into the excellent level. Viz the fine Contino Olivo '07 (noted). For drinking by the end of next year.
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Fully ready in my view with light-touch well integrated oak and tannins. Modern style Rioja with dark/wild berry fruit core and a hints of florals. Moreish if perhaps lacking that distinctive memorable character to launch it into the excellent bracket. Nonetheless very good. For drinking over the next couple of years.
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Con un ensamblaje clásico multivarietal el vino muestra un atractivo color picota vivo. La nariz es expresiva, con una atractiva expresión frutal, sobre todo de fruta roja, matices especiados, algún toque floral, sensaciones mentoladas y un fondo tostado. En boca el ataque es bueno, cuerpo medio, tanino intenso bien integrado, buena acidez, largo y estructurado. Para disfrutar.
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2012 Contino Reserva Solbær, moreller, bjørnebær, litt treflis og kaffe. Igjen rålekker struktur og tanningrep. Det sitter som støpt, men er ikke kantete eller bittert. Bra lengde og friskhet. Frukten er langt unna 2011, men klarer nesten å hamle opp med fatbruken. Her kunne man skrevet mye om fat, men dette er ikke typisk Rioja. Mindre vanilje, mere tobakk og kaffe. Toastpreget er på kanten av hva frukten bærer, men jeg tipper det funker bra på sikt. Trenger tid før den nærmer seg topp. 90p
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12/26/2023 - Italophil Likes this wine: 84 Points
Nice body and smooth wine but not as much fruit as I expected. Perhaps no longer at its best
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8/7/2022 - Swintonblade Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very subtle oak & all fruit, good length.
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6/4/2021 - VoVo Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wow this is really an excellent Rioja. It is smooth, full-flavored but not overly oaked in any way, shape or form. it has come into its own and we wish we had purchased more bottles of the 2012!
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9/29/2020 - Bob23 Likes this wine: 89 Points
Score was for drinking now/PNP. Materially better after 2 days open in the fridge - up to a 91 or 92 with better integration, and the classic leather, wood, and herbs of good rioja. Sorry not to have any more bottles, but this really needs another year or two to be at it's best.
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9/28/2020 - Ardross Likes this wine: 91 Points
Modern succulent gorgeous Rioja
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9/2/2019 - NickBurwood Likes this wine: 89 Points
As per my July note
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8/18/2019 - Still Learning wrote: 88 Points
Biarritz. Second bottle, after one of Remelluri, 2009. A bit disappointed with the “transition”, feeling like going from a smooth, older (it was!) wine to one that lacked depth and tasted a bit chemical. On its own, the second day, it seemed to have improved.
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7/28/2019 - NickBurwood Likes this wine: 89 Points
Very much as my last note. Integrated subtle oak, dark berry fruit with a hint of florals and smooth tannins - all fully mature and mellow. Easy and more than enjoyable enough drinking but in the end lacks that je ne sais quoi to take it into the excellent level. Viz the fine Contino Olivo '07 (noted).
For drinking by the end of next year.
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12/20/2018 - NickBurwood Likes this wine: 89 Points
Fully ready in my view with light-touch well integrated oak and tannins. Modern style Rioja with dark/wild berry fruit core and a hints of florals. Moreish if perhaps lacking that distinctive memorable character to launch it into the excellent bracket. Nonetheless very good.
For drinking over the next couple of years.
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5/27/2018 - PacoHigon Likes this wine:
Con un ensamblaje clásico multivarietal el vino muestra un atractivo color picota vivo. La nariz es expresiva, con una atractiva expresión frutal, sobre todo de fruta roja, matices especiados, algún toque floral, sensaciones mentoladas y un fondo tostado. En boca el ataque es bueno, cuerpo medio, tanino intenso bien integrado, buena acidez, largo y estructurado. Para disfrutar.
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3/31/2018 - "Rhône Rider" Likes this wine: 90 Points
2012 Contino Reserva
Solbær, moreller, bjørnebær, litt treflis og kaffe. Igjen rålekker struktur og tanningrep. Det sitter som støpt, men er ikke kantete eller bittert. Bra lengde og friskhet. Frukten er langt unna 2011, men klarer nesten å hamle opp med fatbruken. Her kunne man skrevet mye om fat, men dette er ikke typisk Rioja. Mindre vanilje, mere tobakk og kaffe. Toastpreget er på kanten av hva frukten bærer, men jeg tipper det funker bra på sikt. Trenger tid før den nærmer seg topp. 90p
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