LiQuery - Imperial Gran Reserva 2011

IMPERIAL GRAN RESERVA 2011

Item:	598268
Size:	750 mL (25.4 oz)
Type:	2011 VINTAGES
Release Date:	2019-10-16
Producer:	Compania Vincola Norle de Espana
Location:	Spain - Rioja
Price:	$54.95 Price History
Style:	Red Wine Medium-bodied & Fruity
Alcohol:	13.5%
Varietal:	Tempranillo Blend
Sugar Code:	XD (3 g/L)
Rating:	93
Cellar:	2028

Description
'Cune (an acronym for Compa��a Vin�cola del Norte de Espa�a) was founded by brothers Eusebio and Raimundo Real de As�a in 1879. Now one of Rioja's most important wineries, Cune was among the 19th century producers that helped define classic Rioja ... The wine itself has maintained a consistent character. Imperial is rarely aggressive or musclebound, but it doesn't lack structure or grip. New oak never protrudes, nor the oxidation that can result from excessive barrel aging. There is ripe fruit, but it is framed by spice and mineral notes. The wine never seems too young or too old' (Wine Spectator, Sept. 30, 2013). The 2004 vintage of this wine was selected as the # 1 wine in the Wine Spectator Top 100 for 2013. Expect to be impressed by this as-yet-unreviewed 2008 vintage.

Description

'Cune (an acronym for Compa��a Vin�cola del Norte de Espa�a) was founded by brothers Eusebio and Raimundo Real de As�a in 1879. Now one of Rioja's most important wineries, Cune was among the 19th century producers that helped define classic Rioja ... The wine itself has maintained a consistent character. Imperial is rarely aggressive or musclebound, but it doesn't lack structure or grip. New oak never protrudes, nor the oxidation that can result from excessive barrel aging. There is ripe fruit, but it is framed by spice and mineral notes. The wine never seems too young or too old' (Wine Spectator, Sept. 30, 2013). The 2004 vintage of this wine was selected as the # 1 wine in the Wine Spectator Top 100 for 2013. Expect to be impressed by this as-yet-unreviewed 2008 vintage.

Tasting Notes
I'm always looking forward to tasting CVNE's Gran Reserva bottlings, especially the 2011 Imperial Gran Reserva, as the year was highly praised, and I was very curious to see how it behaved. It's a classical blend of Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo that matured in barrel for two years. It has good depth and complexity in the nose, nicely layered, very balsamic and tertiary. It feels elegant and harmonious. The palate is surprisingly fresh and vibrant, with finesse, freshness, fine and mostly resolved tannins and a fine thread of acidity that holds and lifts up the finish. Drink Date: 2018-2028. Score - 93+. (Luis Guti�rrez, robertparker.com, Feb. 28, 2018)

Tasting Notes