2005 Imperial Gran Reserva
Buying options
Tasting notes
(a blend of 85% tempranillo, 10% graciano and 5% mazuelo that was aged in French and American oak for 24 months): Deep red. Heady aromas of cherry, redcurrant, vanilla and rose oil, with a smoky nuance and a hint of cured tobacco. Sappy, penetrating, appealingly sweet red fruit flavors put on weight with air while maintaining vivacity. This impressively balanced and focused gran reserva finishes with silky tannins and excellent cut and persistence. One for the cellar.
Critic scores
Average Score
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Josh Raynolds, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2005 Imperial Gran Reserva is firing on all cylinders. Smoked cured meats, balsamic notes of beeswax, antique shop and incense define the complex and elegant nose. The medium-bodied palate reveals an impressively powerful wine which manages to feel light on its feet. I needed to swallow a bit of wine to make sure; yes, it’s truly elegant and classic. This is a great wine, which transports you to the old Grand Reservas of yesteryear. It delivers great quality at a great price Drink 2016-2023. CVNE seems to have improved its basic range of wines in the last few years, which is very good news, as they seem to be readily available and with attractive prices. The Imperial Gran Reserva is back at the helm of quality. Dec 2013, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2016-2023
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.