2016 Imperial Gran Reserva, CVNE, Rioja
C.V.N.E's Imperial Gran Reserva, a modern, richly-fruited and structured Bordeaux-beater of a Rioja, the style of which is tailor-made for the powerful, concentrated fruit of the 2011 vintage.
"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. 2018 - 2028."
93+ points, The Wine Advocate