C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Imperial Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2015
Available at 2 stores
Ratings on Delectable
Sipping Fine Wine 
Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice and oak. 4 grape blend from some of CVNE's best vineyards in the Rioja Alta (85% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), aged in both French and American oak for 24 months. On the palate flavors of blackberry and currants with licorice, vanilla, tobacco & toasty oak tones. Soft full ripe tannins, wonderful balance, lively acidity on a long finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Very nice! Tried several bottles!
Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice and oak. 4 grape blend from some of CVNE's best vineyards in the Rioja Alta (85% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), aged in both French and American oak for 24 months. On the palate flavors of blackberry and currants with licorice, vanilla, tobacco & toasty oak tones. Soft full ripe tannins, wonderful balance, lively acidity on a long finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Very nice! Tried several bottles!
9.2Sipping Fine Wine
Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice and oak. 4 grape blend from some of CVNE's best vineyards in the Rioja Alta (85% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), aged in both French and American oak for 24 months. On the palate flavors of blackberry and currants with licorice, vanilla, tobacco & toasty oak tones. Soft full ripe tannins, wonderful balance, lively acidity on a long finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Very nice! Tried 2nd bottle!
Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice and oak. 4 grape blend from some of CVNE's best vineyards in the Rioja Alta (85% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), aged in both French and American oak for 24 months. On the palate flavors of blackberry and currants with licorice, vanilla, tobacco & toasty oak tones. Soft full ripe tannins, wonderful balance, lively acidity on a long finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Very nice! Tried 2nd bottle!
9.3
Jay Kline
Striking a balance between traditional and modern Rioja, the Imperial Reserva is often the most compelling wine in the CVNE lineup; at least to my palate and this bottle is a perfect example as to why. Tasted double-blind, the bouquet is perfumed and very pretty with bright, delicious cherries, tobacco, dill and green olive. On the palate, the dark cherry fruit is generous and silky with sweet and savory spices. Wonderful texture. Sturdy structure. Deftly representing the best of both worlds, this is a serious wine that happens to be a crowd pleaser as well. I called this 2014 Rioja Reserva (Viña Ardanza if anyone cares). Wasn’t far off!
Striking a balance between traditional and modern Rioja, the Imperial Reserva is often the most compelling wine in the CVNE lineup; at least to my palate and this bottle is a perfect example as to why. Tasted double-blind, the bouquet is perfumed and very pretty with bright, delicious cherries, tobacco, dill and green olive. On the palate, the dark cherry fruit is generous and silky with sweet and savory spices. Wonderful texture. Sturdy structure. Deftly representing the best of both worlds, this is a serious wine that happens to be a crowd pleaser as well. I called this 2014 Rioja Reserva (Viña Ardanza if anyone cares). Wasn’t far off!
9.3
Will Stanley
This flagship Reserva from the CVNE stable is so young it almost has the character of a youthful Barbaresco that needs at least another five years in bottle. Incredibly fierce acidity and a tannic, bone-dry profile make it a tough wine to drink at the moment. The benefit to this, of course, is ageing potential - this should be a wine that sees its 20th birthday in fine form, and likely live for some years after that. There is a well of very ripe, rich red fruit beneath the structure that will reveal itself in time, and a terrifically long finish. 93 points for now, but potential for 95+ in 5/10 years’ time.
This flagship Reserva from the CVNE stable is so young it almost has the character of a youthful Barbaresco that needs at least another five years in bottle. Incredibly fierce acidity and a tannic, bone-dry profile make it a tough wine to drink at the moment. The benefit to this, of course, is ageing potential - this should be a wine that sees its 20th birthday in fine form, and likely live for some years after that. There is a well of very ripe, rich red fruit beneath the structure that will reveal itself in time, and a terrifically long finish. 93 points for now, but potential for 95+ in 5/10 years’ time.
9.3
