Cvne Rioja Gran Reserva Imperial 2010 750ml
Rated 95 by Wine Enthusiast
#44 ENTHUSIAST 100 2017. Certain wines exude a sense of elevated excellence. This one gets to that level via aromas of spice cake, baked plum and tobacco aromas. A stocky saturated palate is structured and built to age, while this tastes of cool blue fruits, herbs, coffee and chocolate. A smoothly textured finish deals cocoa and mocha notes. Drink through 2040.
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Vivid ruby-red. Smoky oak-accented red berries, cherry pit, incense and mocha aromas show outstanding clarity and vivacity. Sweet, expansive, palate-staining raspberry, cherry pie, vanilla and floral pastille flavors fan out steadily on the back half. The smoky note reemerges on an impressively long, floral- and spice-driven finish that's given shape by supple, harmonious tannins. In the context of world-class Spanish wines, which this one is, there's truly outstanding value here.
Rated 93 by Wine Advocate
I'm always looking forward to tasting CVNE's Gran Reserva bottlings, especially the 2011 Imperial Gran Reserva, as the year was highly praised, and I was very curious to see how it behaved. It's a classical blend of Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo that matured in barrel for two years. It has good depth and complexity in the nose, nicely layered, very balsamic and tertiary. It feels elegant and harmonious. The palate is surprisingly fresh and vibrant, with finesse, freshness, fine and mostly resolved tannins and a fine thread of acidity that holds and lifts up the finish. 50,000 bottles were filled in June 2014.
Rated 92 by Wine Spectator
This red has density and balance. Harmonious flavors of black cherry, plum, licorice, underbrush and tea mingle over well-integrated tannins, giving way to a fresh, spicy finish. Not showy, but has energy. Drink now through 2025. 1,000 cases imported.
High-toned, dense and punchy yet harmonious and finely rendered, in a distinctly classical style. Impressive.
Deep ruby colour with cherry notes. Great complexity and aromatic quality of compote fruit, licorice stick, and those from its aging such as spicy and balsamic aromas. Light vanillas, toffees and chocolates also appear. The palate is smooth and silky, with well defined tannins and a long and pleasant aftertaste.