CVNE IMPERIAL GRAN RESERVA
RIOJA, SPAIN
WHY BUY: This superlative six-pack of three critically-acclaimed vintages of CVNE’s Imperial Gran Reserva (the 97-point 2015, the 96-point 2012, the 95-point 2009) bears witness to the Rioja king at its absolute peak. And here’s the best part: CVNE still ages these wines at the winery for you, holding them back longer than virtually anyone else in Rioja, which means these Imperial Gran Reservas have been maturing in CVNE’s century-old cellars for more than a decade, reaching that magical sweet spot where power meets elegance. Oh, and one more thing: at just over $100 per bottle, they represent one of the most excellent values in the wine world.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: “One of the best Imperial Gran Reservas in a very long time,” James Suckling opined of the 2015 vintage, awarding it 97 points and praising its "ultra-fine, linear tannins" and "fantastic structure and length. It goes on for minutes." The 2012 took home 96 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards, with judges celebrating its "glorious and typical fine oak, raspberry and cherry charm on the nose," noting how it's "definitely showing signs of its maturity, with softer tannins and refined leather notes. Long finish.” As for the 2009 vintage, Decanter was charmed: a wine that is "aromatically bursting with red fruits,” it wrote, in its 95-point rave, "very perfumed, full-flavoured ... with notes of cranberries... a mouthwatering, confident wine that will last a long time."
THE STORY: CVNE has been getting Rioja right since 1879, back when the Real de Asúa brothers founded what would become one of Spain's most reliable sources for premium wine. Five generations later, their descendants still run the company with the same philosophy: increase production while maintaining the quality that built their reputation. It might sound like a simple concept, but it's proven to be maddeningly difficult to execute … and yet CVNE somehow has made it look effortless. Imperial Gran Reserva first appeared in 1920 (the name traces back to a special bottling that was intended for the English market: "Pinta Imperial," or "Imperial pint") and quickly established itself as a Rioja classic. The genius of CVNE is in its remarkable patience: they only produce Imperial in vintages they classify as "excellent," then age it for two years in French and American oak followed by another four years in bottle in their century-old cellars. Where other producers are intent on rushing their wines to market, CVNE famously holds back … and back … and back, permitting time to work its subtle magic.
OUR TASTING NOTES: These Imperial Gran Reservas deliver exactly what you want from mature Rioja: layers upon layers of complexity that have been earned through time rather than cellar manipulation. The 2009 shows all of its 15 years, and beautifully at that: black and red berry fruit mixing and mingling with licorice, leather, and tobacco in perfect balance, with supple tannins that feel like silk. The 2012 offers a striking unity: it’s mature but vibrant, with those telltale leather notes and softer tannins that tell you that you're in the prime of its drinking window. The 2015 might be the revelation here. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins, it impresses itself upon you and never lets up, and the finish stretches on for what feels like minutes. These are wines of enormous power and elegance, and a testament to what extended aging in CVNE's cellars can accomplish.
THE SPECS: After manual harvest and double selection, grapes undergo a cold maceration, followed by indigenous yeast fermentation. Aging in French and American oak lasts 24 months, followed by another 48 months in bottle before release. In all, a total commitment to patience that sets CVNE apart in modern Rioja.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH: These mature Riojas are begging for their natural you-complete-mes: aged Manchego, paper-thin slices of jamón Ibérico, herb-roasted rack of lamb with pan juices. Their deep, developed character also makes them ideal companions for rich game and earthy mushroom preparations.
FUN FACT: The first wine ever produced by CVNE was supposed to bear the company's initials, but a clerical error changed the "V" to a “U." Thus was the "Cune" brand (accidentally) born.
OUR GUARANTEE: As always, we only buy and source directly from the estate to ensure pristine provenance. Secure these remarkable Riojas today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in GA, KS, MI, NC, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer is for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, October 26th, 2025.