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IMPERIAL GRAN RESERVA 2004 RIOJA ~ 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo ~ 13.8% Alc. ~ 0.75 Ltr. ~
95WS [#1 TOP 100 Wines 2013 WS] / 93IWC / 92+RP
"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. 4,000 cases made."
95 Points | Thomas Matthews | Wine Spectator | 30 September 2013
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"Bright-rimmed ruby-red. Heady red and dark berry aromas are complicated by notes of mocha, Indian spices and vanillin oak, with a potent floral quality. Stains the palate with sweet cherry and mulberry flavors, picking up anise, cola and vanilla bean accents that build with air. Supple, sweet and expansive on the finish, which leaves smoke and cherry pastry notes behind. (Mostly Tempranillo, with Graciano and Mazuelo, aged for 24 months in French and American oak.)"
93 Points | Josh Raynolds | International Wine Cellar | September/October 2012
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"The 2004 Imperial Gran Reserva is 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo aged in new French and American oak for 24 months. Deep crimson-colored, it gives up aromas of toast, spice box, espresso, blackberry, and plum. Medium to full-bodied, on the palate it displays a plush texture, ripe flavors, excellent volume and concentration, and a relatively forward personality. It will be approachable in 2-3 years and will offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2024."
"Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana (C.V.N.E.) is known colloquially to most Spanish wine drinkers as Cune. The company was founded in 1879 by the Real de Asua brothers and still remains in control of their direct descendants. In the 1920s ownership started Vina Real and in 2004 a new winery was built in Laguardia. The Imperial label is affixed at C.V.N.E. only in the top vintages."
92+ Points | Jay Miller | Robert Parker, Wine Advocate | Issue #189 | June 2010
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This enduring classic needs little introduction. It's superb in the 2004 vintage. You've got the fruit shining through, which it will do for decades to come, wrapped in spicy cigar box aromas, great "old school" Rioja acidity, and a long, lip-smacking finish. Caressing, comforting, beautiful, velvety. Exquisite!
