2012 Imperial Gran Reserva
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Tasting notes
Deep garnet, the colour still very vibrant at 10 years old. The oak here is both savoury and chocolatey, not the vanilla of the Reserva. Seductive, mature sweetness of both fruit and oak and gorgeous leathery complexity. Chewy, so textured, just starting to show all its complex potential, plus a bite of freshness to balance the finish. A classic and GV . (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Quite a lot of floral scent on the nose, then rich black-cherry fruit with a lovely fresh vanilla-bean element giving both complexity and classic Rioja typicality. The tannins have a lovely pliability while still giving structure. This is a serious, structured style, but that sweet oak influence counters any dryness from the fruit. Still plenty of life left. (RH)
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.
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.
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.