Bodegas Contador – Benjamin Romeo ‘Carmen’ Gran Reserva ’10

Description

Rioja DOC,  Spain.

Robert Parker 96+

The classic take on Rioja from Benjamin Romeo is the 2010 Carmen Gran Reserva and it blends all of the traditional red grapes: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo. It fermented in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and matured in oak barrels for two years, plus a further three years getting polished in bottle. This is a wine inspired by the old Rioja wines produced with the know-how and experience from Benjamin Romeo. It takes some time to open up, but it slowly unfurls with aromas of some herbal hints, tobacco, nuts and spices, with a touch of cherries in liqueur (there is some 10% Garnacha); there are also flowers, sour cherries, subtle balsamic, with notes of camphor and a hint of cured meat… There are more and more aromas coming out of the glass–a chameleon of a nose, a wine to smell and smell. The palate is simply stunning. Gobsmacking balance and precise, focused flavors, subtle, integrated acidity and an eternal finish. This is just superb. And the price, even if it’s not low, is also great for the quality it delivers. 3,200 bottles produced. [Luis Gutierrez, 08/30/2016]