Direct from the winery! (Dec 2011) We had the opportunity to taste this wine in May 2011 at a library tasting of Cune wines ranging from the 1973 vintage to present. We were amazed at the freshness and vigor of these wines.

CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) is one of the most renowned and historic bodegas in all of Spain. Founded in 1879 by the Real de Asúa brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo, the company has been an integral part of the Rioja region’s ascendance in the world of fine wine. With their combination of traditional roots and innovative vision, CVNE has been one of Rioja’s most reliable sources for high quality wine. The company is still run by descendants of the Real de Asúa brothers, now represented by the fifth generation with current CEO Victor Urrutia Ybarra. Cune is the winery where the company began in 1879. It still sits on its original site, Barrio de la Estación, in Haro, Rioja Alta, directly next to the train station. They produce white, rosé, crianza, and reserva wines, sourced almost entirely from Alta fruit.

The Finest Wines of Rioja: "Imperial is one of the icons of Rioja and one of the strongest and most prestigious brands in Spain. It is produced as Reserva and, in exceptional years, Gran Reserva, though the latter will most probably disappear in the future, leaving only one Imperial... Current vintages age for at least 36 months in oak barrels... Imperial is archetypal Haro: serious, austere, subtle, refined, fresh, and balanced. It ages magnificently and, along with Viña Real, remains our favorite of the CVNE wines, even though the company now has more expensive wines in its portfolio... 1995 is remarkable among more recent wines. (2011)"

90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good full red. Deeply pitched aromas of smoke, minerals, leather and truffle. Supple and silky but nicely penetrating, with ripe, intense flavors of cherry, minerals and oak perfectly framed by harmonious acids. Subtle, textured Rioja finishing with good grip and thrust. (Jul/Aug 2003)"