One of our New Year's resolutions is to procure more cellared “old-school” Rioja for our clients. We couldn’t think of a better way to kick this off with Bodegas CVNE’s (Coo-nay) “Imperial” Gran Reserva.
While the 2019 is the current release stateside, we went directly to the importer to secure this 2012 back vintage. This Tempranillo-based blend is just starting to show off its pedigree, and it can be cellared for another two decades.
You simply can’t talk about great Rioja without including CVNE in the conversation. Throughout its history, Cune has proved itself to be one of the region's most innovative and over-performing houses and is continuing its stratospheric rise today.
The “Imperial” is often described as a well-crafted Bordeaux with its broad shoulder structure and linear tannins. Its legacy began in the 1920s, and it’s only made in great vintages. How CVNE can cellar a wine for well over a decade and release it at this price is beyond us. Viva España!
97 Points, Tim Atkin, Master of Wine:
"... this comes from vineyards in Villalba, Briones and Torremontalbo and is another brilliant release from María Larrea. Savory, sweet and well balanced, with 15% Graciano adding extra backbone and the zest that you expect from this special red."
95 Points, Wine Advocate:
“ … textbook serious Haro nose, with dark spices, ripe fruit, something balsamic and a round, full-bodied palate within the straight and serious style of the wine. 2012 was a warm year, but the wines are fresher than those from 2011. This has fine, slightly grainy tannins with good grip. A textbook Imperial Gran Reserva. - Luis Gutiérrez
