La Cueva del Contador 2010

Benjamin Romeo’s wines give us the blessed satisfaction of knowing that even today there are those who take risks in the wine world regardless of fashion or the dictates of the past. Benjamin is the man behind these wines which, since their first vintage, have received countless rave reviews from wine trade professionals and consumers. His wines are wines with soul and for many are cult references. Benjamin’s story began in 1996 in the Rioja town of San Vicente de la Sonsierra when, between his cave and his parents’ garage, he began to forge the myth. In 2008 they finally moved to the new Contador winery in the middle of land occupied by the property’s various vineyards. They use totally biodynamic methods thereby making a real commitment to the land and producing purer, more personal wines which go beyond commercial trends.

Appearance

Bright cherry of strong intensity. Thick tears.

Nose

Complex. Very fine and deep. Noticeable notes of wet earth. Succession of aromas reminiscent of red and black fruits. Subtle traces of barrel aging.

Palate

Very fresh, with medium body. Fine, well defined tannins. Delicious fruity notes. Slightly liqueur-like on the finish. Very long. A real treat.

Comment

La Cueva del Contador was the first wine produced in 1996 by Benjamin Romeo in a century-old cave which he had recently acquired beneath the Castillo de San Vicente de la Sonsierra. After several years experimenting, Contador, which was to be awarded the famous 100 points, appeared in 2000, catapulting the bodega to international stardom. This 2010 vintage is a roller coaster of sensations. Although it still needs some rounding out in bottle, it is already really delicious. It is meaty and long-lingering and the 18 months of aging have created a fine, elegant style. It comes from seven specific plots and its production is limited to under eleven thousand bottles. Worth getting hold of one if you want to discover the secret of Rioja’s most mysterious wines and a prelude to its big brother, Contador. Don’t hesitate to enjoy it over the next decade.