97 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

"Fabulous aromas of black tea, soya, cinnamon, and dark fruits. Very floral. Full body, very deep and beautiful. Superb depth of fruit. The tannins are total melted in the wine. Wonderful finish. Drink in 2021"

93 Wine Spectator

"This big red delivers exuberant flavors but remains light-footed. Strawberry, candied cherry, vanilla, tarragon and spice flavors mingle in a rich texture, with well-integrated tannins and bright, orange peel acidity. Drink now through 2032. 600 cases made, 250 cases imported. — TM"

93 Luis Gutierrez - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The oldest of the current releases, the 2012 Gran Reserva is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 12% Garnacha and 3% white Viura, a classical combination, with 13.65% alcohol, remarkable acidity and moderate pH. The grapes were selected from some of the oldest plots, and they were destemmed and fermented in concrete vats followed by malolactic in barrique and an élevage of almost three years in used French and American oak barrels. It has a classical nose with developed aromas, hints of earth, soy sauce, camphor, pencil lead and graphite. It's ripe without excess, and the fruit is black rather than red. The palate reveals good freshness and some tannins that need a little polishing in bottle. It evolves nicely in the glass, and I think it should develop nicely in bottle. 3,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2015."

90 Wine & Spirits

"This drought vintage in Rioja produced a lot of concentrated wines that missed the mark with our panel. Contino stood out for its ripe red fruit and gentle persistence, its texture creamy and rich, its finish earthy. Accommodating to meaty braises on release, this is well worth cellaring."