C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)
Imperial Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend
La Rioja, Spain
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!
May 8th, 2021Deep 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!
Feb 21st, 2021
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!
Oct 20th, 2020
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.
1 person found it helpfulSep 29th, 2020
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.
Nov 13th, 2022
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.
Birthday Wine from David in the garden. 2020
Birthday Wine from David in the garden. 2020
Jul 18th, 2020
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.
May 23rd, 2020