C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Imperial Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2015

Ratings on Delectable

Sipping Fine Wine Delectable Pro

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!

9.2

Sipping Fine Wine Delectable Pro

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 Delectable Pro

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 Delectable Pro

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

Ray Vanderhoff

Primarily Tempranillo with small amounts of Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo blended in. Beautiful deep garnet color. Really complex aromas of bramble berries, dried rose petals, menthol and Forrest Floor. Berry fruit on the pallet with hints of black licorice, leather, tobacco, orange peel and minerals. Touch of burnt brown sugar on the finish. Smooth tannins and a silky/creamy texture. Excellent balance. Muscular yet delicate at the same time. Classic Rioja.

Primarily Tempranillo with small amounts of Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo blended in. Beautiful deep garnet color. Really complex aromas of bramble berries, dried rose petals, menthol and Forrest Floor. Berry fruit on the pallet with hints of black licorice, leather, tobacco, orange peel and minerals. Touch of burnt brown sugar on the finish. Smooth tannins and a silky/creamy texture. Excellent balance. Muscular yet delicate at the same time. Classic Rioja.

9.2

Raimundo Benzal Martínez

2015 vintage, drank 18 July 2021. Dark eed with purple rim. Soft tannins, ash and berries on the mouth. Soft tannins, velvety blackcurrant and oak on the mouth.

2015 vintage, drank 18 July 2021. Dark eed with purple rim. Soft tannins, ash and berries on the mouth. Soft tannins, velvety blackcurrant and oak on the mouth.

9.0

Timothy

Despues de 2 horas abierto

Despues de 2 horas abierto

9.1

Kurtis Epp

Really nice, well-balanced Rioja.

Really nice, well-balanced Rioja.

9.2

C W

Birthday Wine from David in the garden. 2020

Birthday Wine from David in the garden. 2020

10

Kurtis Epp

Pretty solid Rioja, but I prefer a more fruit-forward version. The fruit was a bit overwhelmed by the oak on this one.

Pretty solid Rioja, but I prefer a more fruit-forward version. The fruit was a bit overwhelmed by the oak on this one.

8.9

Location

  • 401 N Great Neck Rd 118
    Virginia Beach, VA 23454

  • Hours:
    9-5 Monday - Friday
    10 - 2 Saturday
    Closed Sunday

WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.