CVNE 'Imperial' Gran Reserva 2016

Critical Acclaim: 98 pts James Suckling; 96 Wine Enthusiast; 95 pts Decanter.  "Polished and structured with firm, very fine tannins. Lots going on here, with layers of black fruit, dried spices, graphite, coconut and cracked pepper. Full-bodied and so intense. Keeps going. Long. The tannins are so fine and so numerous. One of the greatest modern gran reservas. 85% tempranillo, 10% graciano and 5% mazuelo. Try in 2025."- James Suckling.  "Deep red-violet in the glass, this wine has a bouquet of cherry, black currant and juniper. Durable tannins coat the palate, bearing flavors of cassis, dark plums, dark chocolate and violet that lead into the spice-filled finish."- Wine Enthusiast.  "CVNE makes a number of Gran Reservas but this stands head and shoulders above the rest. As one of the great Gran Reservas, Rioja lovers are on first-name terms with it; they rarely use 'gran reserva' to describe it – 'Imperial' will do. As a wine it has had its ups and downs, but today it is back on track