1990 Vina Real Gran Reserva
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
1990 was not really a famous vintage for Rioja; it was officially classified as Buena (good), the third category (after Excelente and Muy Buena). The reunification of Germany happened in 1990 after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and many other relevant events marked that year: Nelson Mandela was released from prison, Margaret Thatcher resigned as Prime Minister of the UK and Rowan Atkinson's “Mr. Bean” debuted in a Thames Television special! 1990 was a very famous vintage for Bordeaux and to a lesser extent for Burgundy and other regions in Europe, where many grapes were surely harvested to the sound of Sinéad O'Connor's, “Nothing Compares 2 U” or MC Hammer's, “U Can't Touch This" (and U definitely made it as a shortcut for you). The 1990 Viña Real Gran Reserva feels smooth and round, a step below in complexity compared with the 1991, also a little drier. The wine is still marked with acidity but has good structure, which will probably give it extra life in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Medium red. Strawberry, raspberry, mint, earth and vanillin oak on the nose. Quite velvety and sweet, but the red fruit and spice flavors have a sappy vibrancy. Very ripe but quite subtle on the long aftertaste. Also recommended: 1995 Viña Real Crianza.
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.