Cune 1981

Wine: Cune 1981
Winery: CVNE - Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha.
ABV: 12.5% 

Winemaking
The wine spent 12 months in large vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before racking. It was subsequently matured for 24 months in seasoned 225-liter American oak barriques of various ages. Bottled in March 1985. It underwent a minimum of 24 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars prior to its commercial release. 

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Garnet-ruby of medium depth; clean and very brilliant, maintaining a surprising sense of youth with reddish glints. It features a broad, orange-tinted rim that shows no notable variation from the meniscus. 

 

Nose: Intense, expressive, and remarkably open; a direct wine that reveals its complexity immediately. The bouquet is dominated by high-quality wood, liqueur-like nuances, and ripe red fruit in its prime, complemented by English tobacco, a medley of peppercorns, and a background of shaded forest floor (monte umbrío). Refined, smoky, and elegant. 

 

Palate: A powerful red showing significant "grip" and volume while maintaining impeccable balance. It is broad and fresh, supported by a solid body and "luxury" tannins—firm and fully mature. An upright and deep wine showing great complexity, packed with black fruit jam, soft bitter nuances, and perfect acidity. Highly approachable yet concentrated and long on the finish. A remarkable discovery that mirrors the profile of the magnificent Viña Real Reserva from the same vintage.

 

Personal Score: 91
Tasting Group Score: 93