Wine: Imperial 1990 Gran ReservaWinery: CVNE - Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (Haro, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo.
ABV: 13% vol.
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo.
ABV: 13% vol.
Winemaking
The wine spends 12 months in vats to complete malolactic fermentation and settle before undergoing oak aging. It matures for 36 months in new 225-liter barrels (70% American oak and 30% French oak). It rests for a minimum of 24 months in the winery’s underground cellars (calados) prior to its commercial release.
The wine spends 12 months in vats to complete malolactic fermentation and settle before undergoing oak aging. It matures for 36 months in new 225-liter barrels (70% American oak and 30% French oak). It rests for a minimum of 24 months in the winery’s underground cellars (calados) prior to its commercial release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Reddish-ruby color of medium depth; dark and somewhat closed. It shows
garnet reflections with limited brilliance and a narrow orange rim.
Nose:
Aromas of fine reduction dominated by leather and cocoa butter,
followed by oriental spices (turmeric, cloves). Soft, subtle, and creamy
with elegant vanilla notes. As it breathes, it reveals macerated red
fruits—barely spirituous—and finely toasted cocoa powder. Ample,
elegant, and highly approachable.
Palate:
Dry, austere, and tightly wound yet remarkably intact. It features a
razor-sharp acidity and fresh, spicy, reduced red fruit. Extremely
classic in character, it recalls the legendary Imperial bottlings of the
50s and 60s, showing candied black fruit (macerated plums, picota
cherries) and a nearly bitter balsamic hint of sage. It possesses
immense growth potential and is still evolving; it practically cries out
for more time in the cellar. A persistent, long-lasting citric edge
clings to fine oak, leaving a slightly tannic finish that keeps you
wanting more. A wine of immense personality.
Commentary
This 1990 Imperial is an excellently crafted, solid wine that has inexplicably flown under the radar. Its quality stands on par with the 1995 and significantly surpasses the 1994, 2001, or the highly coveted 2004 Gran Reserva (the 95-point Parker vintage). Whether due to low production or massive exportation, it remains a hidden gem for those seeking the soulful, sharp classicism of Haro.
This 1990 Imperial is an excellently crafted, solid wine that has inexplicably flown under the radar. Its quality stands on par with the 1995 and significantly surpasses the 1994, 2001, or the highly coveted 2004 Gran Reserva (the 95-point Parker vintage). Whether due to low production or massive exportation, it remains a hidden gem for those seeking the soulful, sharp classicism of Haro.
Personal Score: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
Tasting Group Average: 92
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