234 - La Cueva del Contador, 2001. D.O.Ca. Rioja, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Spain.

La Cueva del Contador, 2001. D.O.Ca. Rioja, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Spain. Red wine. 6 bottles of 75 cl. Comes with a wooden box labeled with the wine’s name and vintage. Condition: BN (Base Neck). Capsules are generally intact, though with minor scuffs. The main labels remain attached and legible, with signs of storage, small stains, and some surface wear. One bottle stands out: its front label has very pronounced dark stains and damage to the paper. The back labels show varying conditions: two have significant dark stains, caked-on dirt, and surface deterioration, while the rest have a more uniform appearance, with slight marks and minor damage along the edges. One of the back labels has a partially lifted corner. It comes from a private collection, stored under optimal temperature and humidity conditions. La Cueva del Contador is one of the most iconic wines produced by Benjamín Romeo, a key figure in the transformation and international recognition of Rioja’s great contemporary wines. Its name refers to the small, century-old cave located beneath the castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, where the winemaker began to develop his personal project. Made from a careful selection of Tempranillo grapes, this wine embodies the philosophy of limited production and the highest standards that has made Bodega Contador a benchmark of international prestige. The 2001 vintage, officially rated “Excellent” in Rioja, holds a prominent place among the appellation’s great vintages.