Cune Imperial Gran Reserva (CVNE) 2012 (750ML)

94 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "(raised in new and used French and American oak barrels for two years) Vivid ruby-red. An intensely perfumed bouquet evokes ripe raspberry, cherry-cola, potpourri and exotic spices, with a suave vanilla topnote and a smoky mineral flourish. Sweet and broad in the mouth, offering lush red fruit, spicecake, mocha and coconut flavors that steadily tighten up on the back half. Finishes extremely long and spicy, with a resonating floral quality, well-knit tannins and lingering oak spice notes. This one is still quite young." 11/18

94 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "A tight and beautiful wine with blackberries, bramble berries, rose petals and lemon grass. Medium to full body, ultra-fine tannins and a beautiful finish. Very fine-grained. Lovely now. Even better in 2020." 08/18

93 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "Oak infused nose giving a smoky, sexy, charred edge to the wine. This is still young, with a crushed raspberry and sweet balsamic feel, fleshy and starting to open. Firm tannins layered through with dark chocolate notes and rose petal overtones. Bottled in 2015, after 24 months in American oak, then released in 2018. Grapes all over 40 years old. A wonderful wine that is only made in the best vintages." 11/19

95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "The current release, the 2012 Imperial Gran Reserva checks in as a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. Classic Rioja notes of blackcurrants, tobacco, toasted spices, balsamic, and lead pencil give way to a full-bodied, beautifully textured 2012 with ripe, supple tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It's beautifully done and just a joy to drink, although I have no doubt that it has another 15 years of longevity. It's not a powerhouse, but I love its elegance and finesse-driven style." 12/20