2004 Imperial Gran Reserva
Buying options
Tasting notes
From “a textbook vintage” in CVNE CEO Victor Urrutia’s words, the 2004 is shining. Pencil shavings and bacon complement ripe, dark fruit. The palate is tight and compact, yet with a juiciness that elongates the whole thing, with acidity that drives through to the long finish. The tannins are supple and soft, integrated with the fruit, but still offer a grip on the finish. Bright and effortlessly balanced. Fermented in oak, 13.8% alcohol and bottled October 2008.
Plenty of aromatics on the nose here and, compared the ’94, this one is on the younger side of the fence. From a strong vintage, the real sweetness of oak, touches of vanilla and cigar pipe smoke and leather really starting to gain influence on the palate. The finish is pretty long and very persistent and so much verve and life thanks to the wonderful acidity. Feels like we are starting to get going into the serious Imperial territory with this with the tannin beginning the melt away allowing the true personality of the maturing wine to start to come through.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
2004 was a classic year; 'everything was right'. This wine was the hand-count favourite of the (very large) room. Surprisingly dark. The first sign of age after wines going from 2018 to 2009. The first hint of leather, of raspberry treacle. Quite closed. Miso and chicken-stock-cube savouriness, saltiness and intensity. Quite blocky and less length. Chunky tannins. Iodine and blood and then red (dried cherry?) intensity peeping through. Very aromatic and fragrant resin on the end. Perhaps I am a Rioja heathen; I did not find this nearly as elegant, ethereal, evocative, as other vintages. It was too hot-climate Syrah-like, too patriarchal, too dominant, fist-on-the-table emphatic, no nuance. But it certainly makes a statement. (TC)
(Top 100 Wine Spectator - Wine #1 of 2013) Firm and a bit austere, this red shows depth and drive, with chewy tannins supporting plum, tobacco, licorice and mineral flavors. The structure is solid but the wine remains fresh. Maturing now, this has a long life ahead. Drink now through 2024. 4,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
A touch of dried tobacco leaf and mulled sloe berries and meatiness. Gorgeously sweet fruit on the palate. Quince and an earthiness and a very fine seam of vanilla with a wonderful just-tooled-saddle (not sweaty!) spice note on the finish. Gentle, the texture of chamois leather on the tongue. There is a remarkable freshness and the mid palate bursts into sweet sweet cherry, just as you think it's starting to segue into dry spices. Thrilling, almost haunting, with generous persistence. So balanced. Do not spit this wine.
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.