Viña Real Gran Reserva 2004

The 2004 Contino Gran Reserva was sourced from vines over 60 years of age and aged in new French oak for nearly 3 years. It is a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, and 10% Garnacha. Deep garnet colored, it offers up an enthralling bouquet of sandalwood, Asian spices, leather, black plums, blackberry, and dark chocolate. Dense, rich, and voluptuous on the palate (in the style of the best 2004s) the Graciano component imparts some extra freshness. Complex, beautifully balanced, and very long, it will continue to blossom for another 5-7 years and drink well through 2029, if not longer. Score - 94. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, June 2010)