C.V.N.E.

The 2008 Imperial Gran Reserva is 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo aged in new French and American oak for 24 months. The nose is evocative of toasted bread, spice box, roasted coffee beans, and blackcurrants. On the palate it delivers lush, ripe flavours and concentration. Drinking well now and to 2024.

Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana (CVNE) was founded in 1879 by the Real de Asua brothers and nearly 140 years later their descendants are still in charge of what is now a considerable operation.  In 1973 they created Contino, the first single-estate concept in the Rioja region, and the single vineyard Viña del Olivo is located in one of the best areas of Rioja near Logroño in La Rioja Alavesa. Hugging the banks of the river Ebro the vines surround a 1,000-year-old olive tree, hence its name, and the resulting wines are hugely impressive, sophisticated yet understated.

The 2008 is made up of 88 percent Tempranillo and 12 percent Graciano with ageing for 36 months in oak of various origins. The wine is subsequently rich and deep; however there is balance and harmony beneath the rippling musculature.

Made from 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, and aged extensively in both French and American oak, the 2001 Imperial is all that one would expect from this great House in this great vintage. Disarmingly approachable, or so it seems, the wine’s full complexity becomes evident on the palate as it is savoured. Drink 2010-2016.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer

I’m a huge fan of this wine having enjoyed many back vintages over the last few years. The 2010 is a stupendous effort, a wine which comprises power, depth and concentrated fruit, all finely wrapped up with a sensational texture. Displaying aromas of forest fruits, allspice, and a sweet earthy character, the palate delivers a framework of refined oak and broad, ripe tannins. A mouth filling richness of flavour meets the mid-palate combining flavours of damson, crushed blackberries and balsamic, held in tension by a finite acidity. Layered and complex, I have great confidence this may even surpass the fantastic 2001 in 10 years’ time. Superb from magnum with a bright future ahead, recommended drinking from 2020 – 2045+
Chris Lamb, Private Account Manager

Judicious fruit selection and attention to detail in the winery have negated any problems arising from a challenging growing season, which culminated in the old meteorological one-two of too little, then too much rain. The perfumed Graciano constitues around 10% of this blend, and must take some credit for a nose rich in black fruit, floral aromas and sweet spice. Equally assertive (and delicious) on the palate, this will continue to gain in complexity and finesse over the next several years. 
Will Heslop - Buying Department