Contador Rioja 2011

Benjamin Romeo was the winemaker at the iconic Rioja winery Artadi. After 15 years there, he started Contador, his own personal project, also in the Rioja Alavesa. There he very quickly received international recognition when his 2004 vintage Contador Cuvee was awarded 100 points from The Wine Advocate. Benjamin Romeo's Contador is one of only two Spanish wines ever to receive consecutive 100 point ratings from Robert Parker. The only other wine to achieve a perfect rating is another Eric Solomon Selection, Clos Erasmus, made by Daphne Glorian. Benjamin Romeo's bodega (warehouse) is located at the foot of a clock tower, pictured on the label for Contador.

Contador 2008 is bright and deep garnet in color. Very ripe red and black fruit on the nose overlaid with mineral and herbal touches reminiscent of aromatic plants which live alongside the vines in our most select vineyards. Notes of high quality wood and dark burnt caramel. Full and smooth in the mouth at first. This is followed by a good level of tannin and a refined mouth-watering freshness. The finish is long and pleasant.