Cune - Rioja Imperial Reserva 2020 (Pre-arrival) (750ml)

93+ Points Wine Advocate

“The 2020 Imperial Reserva was produced with a blend of Tempranillo and 15% Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha grapes that were put through optical sorting and fermented in oak vats by vineyard, and the wine matured for 24 months in barrels, 70% French and the rest American. It has a shy nose that takes time to open up in the glass, but it is surprisingly harmonious and balanced and fresh for the year. It has a little more ripeness, but there's no excess at all; it has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 5.44 grams of acidity. It has notes of spices, cigar box and ash, berries and wild herbs and a sleek and polished palate with resolved tannins.”(L. Gutierrez)

 93 Points Wine Spectator

“A medium-bodied red, with good focus to its notes of ripe black cherry and Damson plum, black tea, incense, paprika and milled pepper. Bright and graceful overall, this harmonious version integrates firm, fine-grained tannins and a stony underpinning that lingers on the finish. Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2035. ” (A. Napjus)

 93 Points Vinous

"The 2020 Reserva Imperial is 85% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo from estate vineyards in Torremontalbo and Villalba, Rioja Alta. Aged 24 months in 30% American and 70% French oak barrels, red fruit like sweet and sour cherry define the aromatic profile, with restrained oak on the finish. Balanced, with a gentle chalky texture and medium freshness, this is a long-lasting, harmonious, classic Rioja."(J. Hidalgo)