Wine Advisor
CVNE, Contino Gran Reserva Rioja 2014
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
Deep violet. Primary black and blue fruit, potpourri, baking spice and vanilla qualities on the highly perfumed nose; a smoky mineral flourish adds urgency. Appealingly sweet, oak-spiced boysenberry, cassis and cherry cola flavors spread out steadily on the palate and show fine definition and back-end thrust. Closes impressively long and smooth, with rounded tannins contributing shape and gentle grip.
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
The more classical 2014 Gran Reserva was produced with a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo and 5% Garnacha from a super selection of the grapes used for the Reserva. It fermented destemmed in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in 225-liter oak barrels, 70% of them French, the rest American, for 24 months. This shows abundant notes of spices, toast and smoke, dark chocolate and espresso coffee and ripe berries. It's still showing the impact of the élevage, but it will probably absorb it with time in bottle. The palate is powerful and reveals abundant tannins. 30,875 bottles and 650 magnums. It was bottled in July 2017.
About the Producer
CVNE was named "Top 100 Wineries of the Year" by Wine & Spirits magazine in 2015. The winery has also had up to 40 of its wines listed in renowned American wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate has scored over 90 points. The 2004 Imperial Gran Reserva was awarded the Wine Spectator's "Top 100 Wines of the Year" in 2013, the first time a Spanish winery has won the WS Top 100, which is very representative. CVNE is one of the largest family-owned winemaking groups in Rioja, founded in 1879 by two brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo Real de Asua. The family is now in its fifth generation and has a long history of 135 years. The CVNE brand symbolizes the Spanish flag and is the only winery authorized to use the Spanish flag as a base color for its logo. CVNE has a close relationship with the Spanish royal family, and its Grand Cru has been selected as the wedding wine for members of the Spanish royal family. The King of Spain, Juan Carlos, inaugurated the new wine cellar, thus giving the winery an innate mission to be a leader in the production of quality Spanish wines. Cune is the founding winery of the group, and the team places great emphasis on winemaking and ageing, with four wineries spanning Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa: Cune, Imperial, Vina Real and Contino. Contino.) Cune Rioja Reserva 2017 The wine has a garnet red color with a pinkish edge. It has a very high concentration, with aromas of berries and licorice recognized and combined with aromas aged in oak, such as spices, vanilla and anise. The palate is smooth, as the tannins are well integrated, bringing elegance and an aftertaste. The fruity aromas are all very good on the finish.
