The ‘Imperial’ is one of
the classic expressions of Rioja, first produced in the 1920s, but evolving
over the years incorporating the advantages of modern viticulture and
winemaking. Its name originates from the
special bottling for the English market in a measure called ‘Pinta Imperial’ or
‘Imperial Pint’, approximately half a litre in capacity. The 2001 Reserva is a selection of the best
grapes from around the village
of Villalba in the Rioja
Alta, and is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, fermented
in oak vats and stainless steel to 13.2% alc.
The wine was then aged in new American and French oak casks for two
years, before bottling and then undergoing a further two years aging before
release.
Deep garnet red in
colour, this has a pervading bouquet of oak vanillins, cedar and spicy red
fruits, leading to a concentrated and substantially structured palate with
density, richness and length. The
tannins are still firm, and the secondary cedary elements are just beginning to
emerge to accompany the savoury-spicy fruit and distinctive oak. Archetype Rioja, with another decade of life
ahead of it. RC Nov 09