Imperial 1991 Gran Reserva

Wine: Imperial 1991 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.

Winemaking:
All grapes are sourced from vineyards located in Rioja Alta. Manual harvest in mid-October. The wine remains in tanks at controlled temperatures for alcoholic fermentation and stabilization before wood aging. It matures for 36 months in 225-liter French and American oak barrels. Depending on the vintage, it rests for up to 60 months in the winery’s underground bottle racks before being commercialized.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Garnet-red color with medium-high depth; closed and darker than most analogous vintages. Brilliant garnet and orange reflections, very clean and absolutely sediment-free. Narrow, coppery rim, well-defined against the meniscus.

 

Nose: Medium intensity, without excesses or flaws; integral, deceptively discreet, and fully integrated. No single element stands out above the rest. Pure order and precision; although it differs from the usual, it remains an absolutely recognizable Imperial. It lacks "height," but everything else is top-tier. The main core is as compact as a log: pipe tobacco, Turkish figs, orange zest, and a discreet background of vanilla and toast. Smooth, without ups and downs.

 

Palate: Slightly more brilliant and lively on the palate. The first impression is of vivacity and presence, which diminishes slightly as it flows. Fleshy and broad, leaning on a good amount of fruit compote that provides a very interesting touch of sweetness to the ensemble, though it doesn't develop further.

 

Commentary:
During a period of "lean cows" (difficult times), CVNE was able to release a dignified wine that is still putting up a fight. It might not leave a permanent mark, but one wishes other Rioja wineries were capable of something similar. The effort was well worth it.

 

Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 91