2011 Vinedos del Contino 'Contino' Gran Reserva, Rioja DOCa, Spain 750ml

The 2011 Gran Reserva is bottled in magnum, blended from 70% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 12% Garnacha and 3% Viura. The élevage was extended to three years in used oak barrels followed by a further three years in bottle. It feels quite ripe and a little heady, generously oaked. It's a very dry year, and the wine doesn't have the freshness of the 2010. It seems like the nature of the vintage and the warmish location have resulted in a very ripe year. There is more freshness on the palate, where there are tannins that might need more time in bottle and even some edgy acidity.