The 2008 La Cueva de Contador is 100% Tempranillo aged for 18 months in new French oak. This purple-colored Rioja offers up a striking nose of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, lilacs, espresso, and blackberry. Savory, ripe, sweetly-fruited, and incipiently complex, it will evolve for 6-8 years and drink well through 2028, if not longer. However, it lacks the depth of great vintages such as 2001, 2004, and 2005. 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