Imperial, Reserva Rioja Red

Dark ruby. Cherry-vanilla and raspberry aromas boast good clarity and develop a peppery nuance with air. Crisp and light on its feet, with tangy cherry and redcurrant fruit flavors dusted with fine-grained tannins. Finishes dry and brisk, with an echo of vanilla and very good cut and length.

Winery: Imperial
Appellation: Rioja
Average age of vines: 40 years old
Farming Methods: Conventional
Maturation: Aged for 24 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels
Soil: Rich in iron salts, limestone and clay
Varietal: Tempranillo blend
Vineyard Orientation: Northern
Vineyard Size: 28 hectares

Wine	Scores	Downloads	Reviews
Imperial, Reserva Rioja Red 2020	94 James Suckling A tight, structured Rioja with blackcurrants, sandalwood, coffee and cassis on the nose, followed by a chewy, toasty and medium- to full-bodied palate. Firm, dusty tannins. Compact. Better after 2026. 93 Vinous The 2020 Reserva Imperial is 85% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha, 5% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo from estate vineyards in Torremontalbo and Villalba, Rioja Alta. Aged 24 months in 30% American and 70% French oak barrels, red fruit like sweet and sour cherry define the aromatic profile, with restrained oak on the finish. Balanced, with a gentle chalky texture and medium freshness, this is a long-lasting, harmonious, classic Rioja. 93+ Wine Advocate The 2020 Imperial Reserva was produced with a blend of Tempranillo and 15% Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha grapes that were put through optical sorting and fermented in oak vats by vineyard, and the wine matured for 24 months in barrels, 70% French and the rest American. It has a shy nose that takes time to open up in the glass, but it is surprisingly harmonious and balanced and fresh for the year. It has a little more ripeness, but there’s no excess at all; it has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 5.44 grams of acidity. It has notes of spices, cigar box and ash, berries and wild herbs and a sleek and polished palate with resolved tannins. 150,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2023.	Bottle Image Label Image Shelf Talker