2009 CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva

95 POINTS: Imperial was first bottled in 1920 and has gained a reputation as one of the best known wines of Rioja. The name traces its origins back to a special bottling intended for the English market which was called Pinta Imperial, or 'Imperial pint'. The grapes come from CVNE’s 28ha of vineyards, as well as from selected sites in Rioja Alta, where the vines are on average 20 years old. Ageing in French and American oak lasts for 24 months, with another 48 months in bottle. Aromatically bursting with red fruits, this is a very perfumed, full-flavoured wine with notes of cranberries. It is a mouthwatering, confident wine that will last a long time.