96 points “One of the best from here in a long time.” – James Suckling
94 points “Cherry cassis vanilla and incense on the expansive nose where a zesty mineral note adds vibrancy. Sappy and precise on the palate offering sweet dark berry cherry liqueur and violet pastille flavours along with hints of mocha and spice cake. Rich and ample in style but shows superb energy as well.” – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
93 points “The prototype of red from Rioja Alta could very well be the 2016 Imperial Reserva fine precise and powerful… A classic among classics.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Imperial Reserva is always one of the most impressive Riojas in any vintage but when Wine Advocate calls it a “classic among classics” it’s even more exciting. It’s crafted by Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España which is shortened to CVNE but was once misspelled and has been known as Cune (pronounced “coo-nay”) ever since. The grapes come from old and low-yielding bush vines grown around Villalba Briones and Torremontalvo. First created in the 1920s it’s called Imperial because it was once bottled for the English market in a smaller bottle (around 500ml) called a “Pinta Imperial” or “Imperial Pint”. Now it also comes in a half bottle offering 375mls of pure pleasure.
Aged for two years in French and American oak in a warehouse designed by Gustave Eiffel before spending another 12 months in the bottle this long-lived and vegan-friendly wine tastes exactly as a great Rioja should. Floral notes of lavender rosemary and violets orbit its rich berry and cherry flavours. Pine sap toasted wood antique furniture vanilla and leather come from the oak and a mushroomy nuance is provided by the old cellar. Great now but it’s only going to get better in the bottle if you can bring yourself to save it. Partner with a Sunday roast rich game dishes or slow-cooked casseroles and avoid pairing with anything too spicy.
SKU No.: 3531379
Style No.: 846357
Region: Rioja
Grapes: Tempranillo,Graciano,Mazuelo
Closure: Cork
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 14%
Volume: 375ml
Allergens: Sulphites
96 points “One of the best from here in a long time.” – James Suckling
94 points “Cherry cassis vanilla and incense on the expansive nose where a zesty mineral note adds vibrancy. Sappy and precise on the palate offering sweet dark berry cherry liqueur and violet pastille flavours along with hints of mocha and spice cake. Rich and ample in style but shows superb energy as well.” – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
93 points “The prototype of red from Rioja Alta could very well be the 2016 Imperial Reserva fine precise and powerful… A classic among classics.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Imperial Reserva is always one of the most impressive Riojas in any vintage but when Wine Advocate calls it a “classic among classics” it’s even more exciting. It’s crafted by Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España which is shortened to CVNE but was once misspelled and has been known as Cune (pronounced “coo-nay”) ever since. The grapes come from old and low-yielding bush vines grown around Villalba Briones and Torremontalvo. First created in the 1920s it’s called Imperial because it was once bottled for the English market in a smaller bottle (around 500ml) called a “Pinta Imperial” or “Imperial Pint”. Now it also comes in a half bottle offering 375mls of pure pleasure.
Aged for two years in French and American oak in a warehouse designed by Gustave Eiffel before spending another 12 months in the bottle this long-lived and vegan-friendly wine tastes exactly as a great Rioja should. Floral notes of lavender rosemary and violets orbit its rich berry and cherry flavours. Pine sap toasted wood antique furniture vanilla and leather come from the oak and a mushroomy nuance is provided by the old cellar. Great now but it’s only going to get better in the bottle if you can bring yourself to save it. Partner with a Sunday roast rich game dishes or slow-cooked casseroles and avoid pairing with anything too spicy.
SKU No.: 3531379
Style No.: 846357