Imperial 1995 Gran Reserva

Wine: Imperial 1995 Gran Reserva
Winery: Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España - CVNE (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo.
ABV: 13.5%

Winemaking
The wine spent 12 months in vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize before wood aging. It was subsequently matured for 36 months in new 225-liter barriques (70% American oak and 30% French). Bottled in the spring of 2001. A minimum of 24 months of bottle aging was completed in the winery’s underground cellars (calados) prior to its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Intense reddish hue of medium depth; brilliant and limpid. It displays garnet reflections and a developing orange-tinted rim.

 

Nose: Remarkably refined on the nose with no signs of bottle reduction. Powerful, expressive, and elegant, it opens with aromas of aged leather, smoked spices, and an abundance of ripe red fruit. Underlying notes of noble wood, toast, and cocoa powder are present, showing a youthful lack of full integration. This wine possesses significant evolutionary potential and has yet to reach its definitive peak.

 

Palate: Excellent initial impact; silky and fresh, defined by a bracing acidity and a robust structure. The tannins remain somewhat rugged and are still in the process of being polished. It is packed with red fruit jam, subtle bitter nuances, and soft toasted vanilla notes. This Imperial seems to possess all the components required for long-term cellaring, reclaiming the classic house style that CVNE has rediscovered with this excellent vintage. Challenging to fully assess at this stage; it requires further cellaring.

 

Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Score: 92