2011 Imperial Reserva
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Tasting notes
There is a clear step up from the Cune range to Imperial, starting with the 2011 Imperial Reserva. Cropped from a ripe vintage, it is the usual Tempranillo with some Graciano and a pinch of Mazuelo fermented in stainless steel and matured in oak barrels for two years. This is braver than the 2010, with more present tannins, still young and unevolved. It has the elements to develop more complexity with hints of spices and leather, fruit and American wood notes. The palate is medium-bodied, perhaps not as expressive and open as the 2010. One more year in bottle should do it good. 150,000 bottles produced.
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Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
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There is a clear step up from the Cune range to Imperial, starting with the 2011 Imperial Reserva. Cropped from a ripe vintage, it is the usual Tempranillo with some Graciano and a pinch of Mazuelo fermented in stainless steel and matured in oak barrels for two years. This is braver than the 2010, with more present tannins, still young and unevolved. It has the elements to develop more complexity with hints of spices and leather, fruit and American wood notes. The palate is medium-bodied, perhaps not as expressive and open as the 2010. One more year in bottle should do it good. 150,000 bottles produced. Apr 2015, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
CVNE, or Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (the Northern Spanish Wine Company), is one of Rioja’s leading names. With its various brands – Cune, Viña Real, Contino and Imperial – CVNE produces both large volumes and high quality, with its Imperial Gran Reserva one of the region’s finest wines.