The wine that represents the traditional and serious reds from Haro, the 2012 Imperial Gran Reserva is a classical blend of Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo that matured in barrel for two years. It has a textbook serious Haro nose, with dark spices, ripe fruit, something balsamic and a round, full-bodied palate within the straight and serious style of the wine. 2012 was a warm year, but the wines are fresher than those from 2011. This has fine, slightly grainy tannins with good grip. A textbook Imperial Gran Reserva. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2015.
... More details
Cvne Rioja Gran Reserva Imperial 2012 750ml
Rated 95 by Wine Advocate
The wine that represents the traditional and serious reds from Haro, the 2012 Imperial Gran Reserva is a classical blend of Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo that matured in barrel for two years. It has a textbook serious Haro nose, with dark spices, ripe fruit, something balsamic and a round, full-bodied palate within the straight and serious style of the wine. 2012 was a warm year, but the wines are fresher than those from 2011. This has fine, slightly grainy tannins with good grip. A textbook Imperial Gran Reserva. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2015.
... More details
The current release, the 2012 Imperial Gran Reserva checks in as a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. Classic Rioja notes of blackcurrants, tobacco, toasted spices, balsamic, and lead pencil give way to a full-bodied, beautifully textured 2012 with ripe, supple tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It's beautifully done and just a joy to drink, although I have no doubt that it has another 15 years of longevity. It's not a powerhouse, but I love its elegance and finesse-driven style.
A herbs and hedgerow character to this wine. Dark, spicy, mocha oak, and firm substantial tannins, held together by bright citrus freshness. Youthful with promising life ahead.
(raised in new and used French and American oak barrels for two years) Vivid ruby-red. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes ripe raspberry, cherry-cola, potpourri and exotic spices, with a suave vanilla topnote and a smoky mineral flourish. Sweet and broad in the mouth, offering lush red fruit, spicecake, mocha and coconut flavors that steadily tighten up on the back half. Finishes extremely long and spicy, with a resonating floral quality, well-knit tannins and lingering oak spice notes. This one is still quite young.
Rated 94 by James Suckling
A tight and beautiful wine with blackberries, bramble berries, rose petals and lemon grass. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a beautiful finish. Very fine-grained. Lovely now. Even better in 2020.
Rated 92 by Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of baked blueberry and prune on the nose reflect the hot, dry vintage. The solid palate brings dense berry and plum flavors that show a touch of raisin prior to a fruit-laden finish. Drink through 2026.
Rated 91 by Wine Spectator
Loamy earth and forest floor notes frame cherry and currant flavors in this round red. Well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity keep this focused. Shows a nice balance of fruity and savory characteristics. Drink now through 2027. 3,500 cases made, 500 cases imported.
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.