2000 CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva
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Tasting notes
The 2000 Imperial Gran Reserva is sourced from the oldest bush vines and undergoes 36 months aging in barrel (60% French) before another 60 months aging in bottle. It has a very opulent, luscious bouquet with macerated dark cherries, kirsch, eau-de-vie and candied orange peel. The palate is full-bodied and velvety smooth and sensual in texture. There are layers of dark cherries, blueberry and creme de cassis that lead to a very sweet, tangy finish that risks being cloying in quantity. Fortunately, it avoids that and you can wallow in its unadulterated decadence. Drink now-2030. C.V.N.E. needs absolutely no introduction. It is seen as a bastion of traditional Rioja, and older vintages are revered (even though I myself found some of them rather enervated when tasting in London in 2009). The company owns Contino, which is run independently, as well as Vina Real. Importer: Christopher Cannan. Europvin, www.europvin.com
Critic scores
Josh Raynolds
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Vivid red. Highly nuanced nose offers cherry, tobacco, spices and vanilla bean. Suave, supple and fine-grained, with alluringly sweet red berry and cherry flavors enlivened by spices and flowers. Very suave and seamless wine. The smooth, tannin-free finish lingers with echoing red fruits and spices.
About the producer
CVNE, or Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (the Northern Spanish Wine Company), is one of Rioja’s leading names. With its various brands – Cune, Viña Real, Contino and Imperial – CVNE produces both large volumes and high quality, with its Imperial Gran Reserva one of the region’s finest wines.