Cune Imperial 2014 Rioja Gran Reserva, Spain

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:  No 2013 was produced, as it was a very challenging year in Haro. So, from the 2012 I tasted last time, we jumped to the 2014 Imperial Gran Reserva, an icon among classical Rioja. The grapes for this blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo were picked during the first half of October at a low 13.5% alcohol and were fermented in small oak vats followed by malolactic in concrete and two years in barrel. The bottles are kept for at least 36 months before they are released. As the Imperial Reserva, the style of this wine has to be preserved (they can innovate in the new Asúa range). There is a developed and subtle nose reminiscent of petrol (is it mineral?), hints of iodine and sweet spices. The palate is powerful and still a little tannic, as the wine was released even earlier because they skipped one vintage. Serious, austere, faithful to its character.

 

94pts James Suckling:  A fine-tuned and polished gran reserva with lots of finesse and linear character. Medium body. Refined and beautiful.

 

94pts Vinous:  Shimmering ruby-red. An intensely perfumed nose displays cherry cola, cassis, licorice and smoky oak; floral and vanilla qualities emerge in the glass. Juicy, penetrating red and dark fruit flavors are given spine by a core of tangy acidity, and bitter chocolate, candied rose and spicecake nuances develop with air. Gently gripping tannins add shape to an impressively long, incisive finish that leaves more vanilla and cherry notes behind. Raised for 22 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels.