Wine: Imperial 1936 Gran Reserva
Winery: Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España - CVNE (Haro, Rioja Alta)Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: Predominantly Tempranillo, with Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Viura.
Winemaking:
Sourced from select vineyards across Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja. The wine underwent alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in large, seasoned oak vats for 12 to 18 months. It then matured for approximately 10 years in neutral American oak barrels of various capacities, with periodic manual rackings. Following this, it rested for at least another decade in the winery’s historic underground cellars (calados) in Haro, released only upon specific order. This bottle was recorked every 20 years, with the last recorking documented in 1978.
Tasting notes
Appearance
A clear, stable ruby-red of medium intensity. Brilliant and pristine, with a very fine sediment integrated at the base. The glass shows a slight opacity—a "frosted" effect caused by decades of slow-settling color matter. It displays vibrant orange and copper reflections; its condition is remarkable for an 80-year-old vintage. The rim is narrow and distinctly tawny (atejado), creating a sharp contrast against the meniscus.
A clear, stable ruby-red of medium intensity. Brilliant and pristine, with a very fine sediment integrated at the base. The glass shows a slight opacity—a "frosted" effect caused by decades of slow-settling color matter. It displays vibrant orange and copper reflections; its condition is remarkable for an 80-year-old vintage. The rim is narrow and distinctly tawny (atejado), creating a sharp contrast against the meniscus.
Nose
The wine requires a moment to unfurl but shows no signs of lethargy or excessive oxidation. It is open, clean, and remarkably precise. Initially, it offers ground spices and a savory, almost ferruginous (iron-like) note, which gradually gives way to exquisite, fine wood aromas. As it breathes, it gains stature and depth, revealing a classic and profound bouquet of earthy undertones, forest floor (fungal), fine marquetry, toffee, and tea leaves. A complete, multi-layered, and deeply serious red.
The wine requires a moment to unfurl but shows no signs of lethargy or excessive oxidation. It is open, clean, and remarkably precise. Initially, it offers ground spices and a savory, almost ferruginous (iron-like) note, which gradually gives way to exquisite, fine wood aromas. As it breathes, it gains stature and depth, revealing a classic and profound bouquet of earthy undertones, forest floor (fungal), fine marquetry, toffee, and tea leaves. A complete, multi-layered, and deeply serious red.
Palate
Agile and fresh on the entry, showing impeccable poise and total integration. It retains a haunting trace of sweetness that melts into velvety, caressing tannins and notes of luxurious oak. Well-structured and surprisingly robust, it possesses a solid backbone that promises several more years of life. It is currently at a magnificent peak of consumption.
Agile and fresh on the entry, showing impeccable poise and total integration. It retains a haunting trace of sweetness that melts into velvety, caressing tannins and notes of luxurious oak. Well-structured and surprisingly robust, it possesses a solid backbone that promises several more years of life. It is currently at a magnificent peak of consumption.
Personal Score: 96
Tasting Group Average: 97
No comments:
Post a Comment