Wine: Imperial 2001 Gran Reserva
Winery: Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
ABV: 13.5% vol.
Winery: Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo
ABV: 13.5% vol.
Winemaking:
All grapes are sourced from vineyards located in Rioja Alta. Following manual harvest, the wine undergoes alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and rests before wood aging. It matures for 36 months in 225-liter French and American oak barrels. Depending on the vintage's needs, it is aged for up to 60 months in the winery’s underground bottle racks before commercial release.
All grapes are sourced from vineyards located in Rioja Alta. Following manual harvest, the wine undergoes alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and rests before wood aging. It matures for 36 months in 225-liter French and American oak barrels. Depending on the vintage's needs, it is aged for up to 60 months in the winery’s underground bottle racks before commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Garnet-ruby color with medium-high depth; highly extracted and opaque.
Brilliant and clean, radiant with vivid amber and reddish reflections.
Diminutive coppery rim, sharply defined against the meniscus.
Nose:
An Imperial of a "new era"—powerful and far from the traditional
austerity associated with this brand. It is pletórico in intensity and
detail, characterized by fragrant, perfumed fruit that imparts an
intense varietal character. It delivers itself fully, without
reservation, supported by an elegant and finely smoked oak foundation.
This structure retains a delicate vanillic caress and hints of
earthiness, old leather, and blonde tobacco. With aeration, it becomes
increasingly perfumed and remains remarkably whole. Jovial and vibrant.
Palate:
It takes hold with significant force—vibrant, full-bodied, and yet
silky. It possesses a velvety texture that floods the palate with ripe
fruit, nuanced by a piercing acidity. Fresh, juicy, and balanced, it
features luxurious, silken tannins and a progressive sense of
equilibrium that governs the ensemble. A meticulously crafted Imperial
that shamelessly displays the virtues of the great 2001 vintage.
Commentary:
While currently exceptionally young and energetic, it possesses high-quality raw material to gain profound complexity. It remains to be seen if it will reach the legendary heights of the 1960s and 1970s Imperials, but it already shows signs of becoming one of CVNE’s modern heavyweights. It requires more time for bottle reduction to achieve its full potential. A highly recommended acquisition while still available.
While currently exceptionally young and energetic, it possesses high-quality raw material to gain profound complexity. It remains to be seen if it will reach the legendary heights of the 1960s and 1970s Imperials, but it already shows signs of becoming one of CVNE’s modern heavyweights. It requires more time for bottle reduction to achieve its full potential. A highly recommended acquisition while still available.
Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Average: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
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