This is the Magnum format of CVNE’s Imperial Reserva, a wine that sits at the heart of the estate’s more traditional Rioja style, sourced from vineyards in Rioja Alta and built around Tempranillo with supporting varieties. It is aged for around two years in a mix of French and American oak, followed by further time in bottle, giving it a balance between structure and early development. In Magnum, the wine feels a little more settled than in standard bottle, with the extra volume slowing the ageing process and allowing the elements to come together more gradually. Rather than opening quickly, it shows itself in a calmer, more measured way, with the fruit and oak already closely aligned. There is still a clear presence of ripe fruit, but it no longer sits forward, instead resting within the structure, which gives the wine a more composed and grounded feel. The overall impression is less about contrast and more about how everything fits together.
Across the palate, it moves in a steady, continuous line, where fruit, spice, and oak influence remain closely connected, creating a smooth and uninterrupted flow. The oak, after ageing, feels absorbed into the wine, adding depth without standing apart. The texture is polished but still carries a gentle grip, with fine tannins giving shape and length while remaining integrated, which allows the wine to feel both structured and approachable. Overall, this is a classic Rioja Reserva presented in a format that brings a bit more refinement and cohesion, showing the balance of fruit, oak, and structure in a way that feels calm, complete, and easy to follow.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Composed and layered, with black fruit, red cherry, and a touch of liquorice, alongside vanilla and light tobacco.
Palate:
Smooth and structured, with ripe fruit and integrated oak moving together in a steady, balanced flow.
Finish:
Long and refined, with spice and fruit fading into a dry, lightly savoury close.
