The 2008 Contador, rapidly becoming one of Rioja’s benchmark wines, is composed of 86% Tempranillo and 14% Garnacha aged for 18 months in new French oak. It is a glass-coating opaque purple color with an exceptional bouquet of sandalwood exotic spices, lavender, incense, espresso, tapenade, and blackberry. Dense and mouth-coating, it deftly combines elegance and power in a structured wine that will easily achieve its 20th birthday and well beyond. Benjamin Romeo’s winemaking credentials include over 15 years as head winemaker at Bodegas Artadi, one of Rioja’s greatest producers, and two 100 point scores for his 2004 and 2005 Contador. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; Tel. (704) 358-1565

(86% tempranillo and 14% garnacha): Inky violet color. Powerful, brooding aromas of black and blue fruits, violet, dark chocolate and anise. Dense, chewy and sweet, with strong dark berry and cherry compote flavors and an exotic floral quality that gains strength with air. Shows serious concentration and extract and finishes sappy and very long. This big boy demands patience.