Cune Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend

Presented to me double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine is a deep ruby color with a slightly purple hue; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. No signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of black and red fruit: Ranier cherries and blackberries along with some dried earth, soft wood notes, some faint baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins (that seem to build) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and comes off a touch reserved in the end. Initial conclusions: this could be a Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Grenache-based blend or Bordeaux-blend from either Spain, Italy, France, the United States or Australia but the fruit doesn’t impress so I’m leaning away from the New World. I don’t get enough candied fruit to put me in the Southern Rhone and I think the oak treatment seems a bit liberal for that. And if this Sangiovese, I would be pissed. So I’m calling Tempranillo, from Spain, Rioja, Reserva, 2018. Daaaaang. I was close. Drink now with patience and enjoy through 2036.

Vintage 2012 | true to type Tempranillo

Aged nicely at this point. Mellowed out tannins, well integrated dried fruit. Balanced.

12 years old, but still seems like it has a few years left until it’s peak.

Great house. Great wine.

Intake 2010 | Utterly reliable Rioja with spicy smell

Vintage 2012 | With ten years this Rioja offers beautiful fruit in smell and a true to type Tempranillo taste. Enjoyed this with paëlla.

Vintage 2013 | Cherries, reliable, true to type Tempranillo | with spaghetti bolognese

Clove, plum, menthol, raisin and tar. Ripe but so pure and full of sun. Deep fruited with a substantial body. Dried damson plum, a light touch of cocoa powder. Great acid. Absolutely a top producer and overlooked.

In 1879, 2 brothers decided to set up a wine business, C.V.N.E., Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (Northern Spanish Wine Company) or la Cuné, as it is commonly known in Haro, created and still kept in traditional neighborhood of Haro station today. Deep Ruby with ripe berry aromas and complex spices, 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo. On the palate blackberry, cherry and sweet currant with herb, leather, oak & pepper spice. Fine tannins, well balanced good depth & structure on a long finish.

In 1879, 2 brothers decided to set up a wine business, C.V.N.E., Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (Northern Spanish Wine Company) or la Cuné, as it is commonly known in Haro, was created and still kept in traditional neighborhood of Haro station today. Deep Ruby with ripe berry aromas and complex spices, 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo. On the palate blackberry, cherry and sweet currant with herb, leather and pepper spice. Fine tannins, well balanced good depth and structure on a long finish.