1943 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva

Community Tasting Notes (2) Avg Score: 92.5 points

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  12/8/2018 - forceberry wrote: 93 Points

  Dense, somewhat translucent maroon-reddish color with a developed figgy hue. The nose feels developed and dark-toned with somewhat sweet, brooding aromas of wizened black cherries, some toasted wood tones, a little bit of syrupy molasses, light raisiny notes, a hint of cocoa and a sweet touch of baking spice. The wine is moderately full-bodied, juicy and firm with dry, developed flavors of sour cherries, some mocha coffee, a little bit of savory wood spice, light raw cocoa tones, a sweet hint of wizened dark fruits and a touch of meaty umami. The high acidity lends good brightness and sense of freshness to the wine, while the medium tannins lend some welcome grip and firmness to the mouthfeel. The finish is somewhat grippy with developed, savory and very complex flavors of sour cherries, some tart cranberries, a little bit of toasty wood spice, light cocoa tones, a hint of earthy bitterness and an umami touch of beef jerk.
  
  A beautiful, complex and harmonious Rioja Gran Reserva. It's a small wonder the wine is alive after 70 years - and even more so as the wine was poured from a 0,375 bottle! - but I guess these wines were really built for the long haul back then (I'm not sure if a modern Imperial Gran Reserva could survive for 70 years). A delightful effort that is at its peak now, and probably has been there for some decades. Doesn't feel like it is going to fall apart anytime soon, but doesn't really need any extra cellaring. Good value at 45€ for a half bottle.

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  12/8/2018 - Lype Likes this wine: 92 Points

  From a 0.375, surprisingly youthful and powerful, marmalade, umami, fudge, dark tones, lots of thing going on here. Very good.

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