No 2013 was produced, as it was a very challenging year in Haro. So, from the 2012 I tasted last time, we jumped to the 2014 Imperial Gran Reserva, an icon among classical Rioja. The grapes for this blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo were picked during the first half of October at a low 13.5% alcohol and were fermented in small oak vats followed by malolactic in concrete and two years in barrel. The bottles are kept for at least 36 months before they are released. As the Imperial Reserva, the style of this wine has to be preserved (they can innovate in the new Asúa range). There is a developed and subtle nose reminiscent of petrol (is it mineral?), hints of iodine and sweet spices. The palate is powerful and still a little tannic, as the wine was released even earlier because they skipped one vintage. Serious, austere, faithful to its character. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2017.
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Cvne Rioja Gran Reserva Imperial 2014 750ml
Rated 94 by Wine Advocate
No 2013 was produced, as it was a very challenging year in Haro. So, from the 2012 I tasted last time, we jumped to the 2014 Imperial Gran Reserva, an icon among classical Rioja. The grapes for this blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo were picked during the first half of October at a low 13.5% alcohol and were fermented in small oak vats followed by malolactic in concrete and two years in barrel. The bottles are kept for at least 36 months before they are released. As the Imperial Reserva, the style of this wine has to be preserved (they can innovate in the new Asúa range). There is a developed and subtle nose reminiscent of petrol (is it mineral?), hints of iodine and sweet spices. The palate is powerful and still a little tannic, as the wine was released even earlier because they skipped one vintage. Serious, austere, faithful to its character. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2017.
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Shimmering ruby-red. An intensely perfumed nose displays cherry cola, cassis, licorice and smoky oak; floral and vanilla qualities emerge in the glass. Juicy, penetrating red and dark fruit flavors are given spine by a core of tangy acidity, and bitter chocolate, candied rose and spicecake nuances develop with air. Gently gripping tannins add shape to an impressively long, incisive finish that leaves more vanilla and cherry notes behind. Raised for 22 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels.
Rated 94 by James Suckling
A fine-tuned and polished gran reserva with lots of finesse and linear character. Medium body. Refined and beautiful. Drink now.
Rated 93 by Wine Spectator
This muscular red has a thick, dense texture and muscular tannins. Plum and currant flavors mingle with clove, cola, vanilla and baking spice notes. Comes on strong, but the orange peel acidity gives way to a gentle, floral finish. Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2032. 42,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
Rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast
Rooty, reedy aromas of licorice and fennel blend with oak grain and spiced berry and cherry scents to form a welcoming nose. The palate on this gran reserva from a difficult year feels lean and linear, with raw acidity. Plum, currant and vanilla oak flavors turn dry, tight, snappy and a touch tart on the finish. Drink through 2032.
Starts savoury with leathery notes, travels through dark fruits, intense chocolatey oak with earthy, mushroom flavours and finishes with sour freshness. Pleasant. Drinking Window 2021 - 2030.
Deep ruby colour with cherry notes. Great complexity and aromatic quality of compote fruit, licorice stick, and those from its aging such as spicy and balsamic aromas. Light vanillas, toffees and chocolates also appear. The palate is smooth and silky, with well defined tannins and a long and pleasant aftertaste.