C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)
Imperial Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend
La Rioja, Spain
Presented to me double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep ruby/purple with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart black fruits: black cherry, plum, some cocoa, dry leaf tobacco, vanilla and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. The alcohol is medium. This is tart and tasty; young and built for age.
Initial conclusions: this could be Cabernet Sauvignon (or a blend including Bordeaux varieties), Zinfandel (with a decent amount of Petite Sirah, Tempranillo or even Malbec from France, the US, Spain or Argentina. But I think the wood is playing a key role in the tannin here, meaning that I think it spends a lot of time on it. I don’t think it’s all American because it don’t get a bunch of coconut and dill…but this is probably a modern leaning Rioja. So that’s my call. This is Tempranillo from Spain, Rioja, Reserva level and younger, 2019. Boom. This is solid and reliable even though I don’t think it has the personality of Heredia or Pescina. Drink now through 2049.
Presented to me double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep ruby/purple with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart black fruits: black cherry, plum, some cocoa, dry leaf tobacco, vanilla and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. The alcohol is medium. This is tart and tasty; young and built for age.
Initial conclusions: this could be Cabernet Sauvignon (or a blend including Bordeaux varieties), Zinfandel (with a decent amount of Petite Sirah, Tempranillo or even Malbec from France, the US, Spain or Argentina. But I think the wood is playing a key role in the tannin here, meaning that I think it spends a lot of time on it. I don’t think it’s all American because it don’t get a bunch of coconut and dill…but this is probably a modern leaning Rioja. So that’s my call. This is Tempranillo from Spain, Rioja, Reserva level and younger, 2019. Boom. This is solid and reliable even though I don’t think it has the personality of Heredia or Pescina. Drink now through 2049.
Punchy crowpleaser: heavy, almost syrupy body with strong, bold flavors of oaky vanilla, ripe black cherry, and cinnamon spice. Smooth and round mouthfeel. Not terribly complex but a joy to drink.
Punchy crowpleaser: heavy, almost syrupy body with strong, bold flavors of oaky vanilla, ripe black cherry, and cinnamon spice. Smooth and round mouthfeel. Not terribly complex but a joy to drink.
Feb 7th, 2026
Cune imperial reserve 2019.
Tasty red. Reminds me of when we were there. Complex but nice. Opened up for new years. Enjoyed a nice glass prior to falling asleep waiting for the ball to drop. Dark ruby red. Little tannins. Nose was floral. Really easy to drink. Had it second day which was great. Happy new years with a flight of tacos (9/10). 40-50$. Would absolutely recommend this wine. So smooth. So silky. Like a nye dress. It s a 10-9…
Cune imperial reserve 2019.
Tasty red. Reminds me of when we were there. Complex but nice. Opened up for new years. Enjoyed a nice glass prior to falling asleep waiting for the ball to drop. Dark ruby red. Little tannins. Nose was floral. Really easy to drink. Had it second day which was great. Happy new years with a flight of tacos (9/10). 40-50$. Would absolutely recommend this wine. So smooth. So silky. Like a nye dress. It s a 10-9…
Rarely drink rioja but this was nice, especially paired with a large ribeye at a Spanish restaurant. Good fruit and dusty earth, quite round, maybe lacking a bit of acid for my taste but still nice.
Rarely drink rioja but this was nice, especially paired with a large ribeye at a Spanish restaurant. Good fruit and dusty earth, quite round, maybe lacking a bit of acid for my taste but still nice.
Apr 19th, 2025
