CVNE, Rioja Gran Reserva Imperial 2010

(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.

• Drinking Window: 2022 - 2038
• Reviewer Name: Josh Raynolds
• Review Date: May 2017