CVNE, Rioja Imperial Reserva other_regions_italy and 6% Merlot really tastes

and 6% Merlot really tastes and feels great

spice and earth-suffused cassis and plum-scented nose

fully integrated tannins and a lingering cherry note

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon starts off dry and cedary

6% Cabernet Franc

CVNE, Rioja Imperial Reserva other_regions_italy and 6% Merlot really tastes85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo Matured for 4 years in French and American oak barrels, 2yrs in bottle. Strong coconut aroma and plenty of red fruit. Couldn't be anything but traditional Rioja. Then surprisingly and attractively savoury on the palate. Rich but fresh. Dry, fine tannins. Still very youthful. Benchmark. (JH)