Cune Imperial Gran Reserva (CVNE) 2010 (1.5L)

95 Points, Christopher Deas, Zachys Buying Team: "We have tasted this Rioja icon from the classic 2010 vintage three times over the past year, and each time it reveals a little more. The 2010 shows us the classicism of the vintage and the structure this wine can pack. The first sip screams Spain with earth, herbs, and minerality under its saturating red and blue fruits. And where the wines of Lopez de Heredia and La Rioja Alta are built more on finesse with aged tertiary flavors, pronounced oak and red fruit, the CVNE Imperial adds darker, more explosive fruit. That is what stands out here - the wine has a silky and smooth texture with a spectrum of notes that include ripe black cherries, wild raspberries, plums, dried fruits and herbs, spice, leather, tobacco and coffee. While the Imperial brings together elements of New and Old World for what is a deceivingly approachable wine, it remains classic. Take it note, as it is a wine that evolves and changes in the glass. We sometimes forget how well-built the Imperial Gran Reserva can be, and the longevity it has to offer, which anyone who has had Imperials from the 50s, 60s and 80s can attest to. This was tasted beside the 2004, which remains an infant. The best is yet to come..."

94 Points, Luis Gutierrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "We're in for a treat with the 2010 Imperial Gran Reserva, a classic among classics in a classic vintage. It's very spicy and still slightly oaky, with ripe fruit without any excess; it is a serious, somehow Bordeaux-like, less-perfumed red. The palate shows that seriousness, with some dusty tannins and a dry finish. The texture is a little earthy, very good for food. This could be drunk now, but I'd give it some time in the bottle. The oak feels very nicely integrated, less noticeable than in warmer vintages like 2009. A very good vintage for this bottling. The category that was close to disappearing ten years ago seems to be alive and kicking with 50,000 bottles produced in 2010." #226 08/16

94 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "(aged for three years in American and French oak and then held back for four years before release) Vivid ruby-red. Smoky oak-accented red berries, cherry pit, incense and mocha aromas show outstanding clarity and vivacity. Sweet, expansive, palate-staining raspberry, cherry pie, vanilla and floral pastille flavors fan out steadily on the back half. The smoky note reemerges on an impressively long, floral- and spice-driven finish that's given shape by supple, harmonious tannins. In the context of world-class Spanish wines, which this one is, there's truly outstanding value here." 05/17