CVNE 'Imperial' Gran Reserva 2016

Critical Acclaim: 98 pts James Suckling; 96 Wine Enthusiast; 95 pts Decanter. 

"Polished and structured with firm, very fine tannins. Lots going on here, with layers of black fruit, dried spices, graphite, coconut and cracked pepper. Full-bodied and so intense. Keeps going. Long. The tannins are so fine and so numerous. One of the greatest modern gran reservas. 85% tempranillo, 10% graciano and 5% mazuelo. Try in 2025."- James Suckling. 

"Deep red-violet in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of cherry, black currant and juniper. Durable tannins coat the palate, bearing flavors of cassis, dark plums, dark chocolate and violet that lead into the spice-filled finish."- Wine Enthusiast. 

"CVNE makes a number of Gran Reservas but this stands head and shoulders above the rest. As one of the great Gran Reservas, Rioja lovers are on first-name terms with it; they rarely use 'gran reserva' to describe it – 'Imperial' will do. As a wine it has had its ups and downs, but today it is back on track. The style reflects our different world and consumer demands, with more generous fruit layered with the ever-elegant oak, and particularly in this fine vintage. Fermented in small oak vats, aged in french and American oak for two years, before bottle age."- Decanter. 

Varietal: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo.