2005 La Cueva del Contador

The 2005 La Cueva del Contador (the second wine of Contador – determination based on tasting the grapes) is barrel-fermented in new oak followed by 12 months aging in barrique. Purple in color, it has an other-worldly perfume of smoky new oak, crushed stone, truffle, espresso, and assorted black fruits. This leads to an opulent wine with gobs of sweet fruit, incipient complexity, superb richness and texture, and a very long, pure finish. It will continue to add complexity in the cellar for 8-10 years and should perform optimally between 2018 and 2035. Words can barely do justice to how singular these wines are. They must be tasted to be believed. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain; tel. (781) 461-5767

The contador was the counter, the one who counted the number of hog skins of wine as they were carried into the cellar. And his cueva was his cave, ie his counting room.  Yields are low – on average one bottle of wine per vine. 95% Tempranillo, 3% Garnacha, 2% Graciano. Very dark with a dark cherry rim. Subtle aromas of the vineyard: thyme, rosemary and lavender. Subtle spice followed by seriously dark fruit on the palate. Very upright and muscular without an ounce of flab. Overall smoky, mineral and classy. (JH)

The 2005 La Cueva del Contador (the second wine of Contador – determination based on tasting the grapes) is barrel-fermented in new oak followed by 12 months aging in barrique. Purple in color, it has an other-worldly perfume of smoky new oak, crushed stone, truffle, espresso, and assorted black fruits. This leads to an opulent wine with gobs of sweet fruit, incipient complexity, superb richness and texture, and a very long, pure finish. It will continue to add complexity in the cellar for 8-10 years and should perform optimally between 2018 and 2035. Feb 2008, www.robertparker.com