At a glance

Producer

Viñedos del Contino

Region

Rioja, Spain

Grape variety

Tempranillo (primarily), with some Graciano and Garnacha

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$150–$225 per bottle (auction & secondary market)

Tasting profile

Complex aromas of dried cherry, balsamic, leather, tobacco, truffle & spice; palate is refined, deeply savory, with mature red fruits, cedar, earthiness, and finesse

Evolution: Developed from primary red-black fruits and vanilla oak into complex tertiary notes (cedar, sous-bois, savory spice)

At peak: Should show depth, length, and balance; some tertiary notes may dominate, but freshness persists with good storage

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high (critical for Rioja longevity)

Tannins

Silky, well-integrated, mature but persistent

Alcohol

13.5% ABV (typical range for the era)

Aging potential

25–35 years from vintage; classic Viña del Olivo can age gracefully

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2015 to 2022

Optimal window

2007 to 2022

Current status

Fully mature; can continue to hold

Current condition

Mature and refined; still vibrant structure for continued enjoyment but entering plateau phase

Viña del Olivo, as a special parcel and flagship cuvée from Contino, is built for longevity. High acidity and fine-grained tannins support a long evolution. Rioja from 2000 is classic in style, not super concentrated but very balanced, permitting graceful aging into its third decade.

Food pairing

Traditional Rioja pairings: roasted lamb, suckling pig, Iberico pork, grilled mushrooms, aged Manchego cheese, game birds; dishes with rosemary, thyme, and roasted root vegetables

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To aerate matured aromas and gently open tertiary complexity, while leaving sediment behind

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Integrated pest management, natural cover crops, selective hand harvesting; vineyard biodiversity projects; increasing focus on reduced chemical inputs (but no organic conversion for 2000 vintage)

Viñedos del Contino employs several sustainable viticultural practices (biodiversity, reduced chemical use, minimal irrigation, cover cropping), though formal organic or biodynamic certification was not in effect for the 2000 vintage. Winery is part of evolving sustainability initiatives within Rioja, but carbon footprint could be improved by lighter bottles and greater renewable energy use. For a 2000 vintage, the estate was a leader in progressive vineyard management for Rioja, meriting a mid-level sustainability score, though significantly less advanced than top modern organic/biodynamic producers.