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  • Country ranking ?

    94
  • Producer ranking ?

    10
  • Decanting time

    2h
  • When to drink

    2020-2035

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The Story

Imperial is one of the renowned references in the entire history of Spanish winemaking. It is a true classic in Rioja and was first bottled in the 1920’s. Its name was originally adopted after a special bottling for the English market in a bottle called ‘Pinta Imperial’ or ‘Imperial Pint’ (an Imperial pint, half a litre approximately). 

Vineyard

The grapes to make Imperial have always come from our own 28 hectares of vineyards in Villalb...

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Vintage 2012

SPAIN 2012 VINTAGE REPORT

The Control Board has given the 2012 Rioja vintage the official rating of ‘VERY GOOD’. The global rating reflects the heterogeneous nature of the vintage. The drought affected both grape volume and grape quality in some vineyards but also resulted in a significant quantity of wine of extremely high quality, in line with the wines of the two previous vintages, both rated ‘excellent’.

In general, Rioja’s vineyards...

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Latest Pro-tasting notes

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Written Notes

Quite a lot of floral scent on the nose, then rich black-cherry fruit with a lovely fresh vanilla-bean element giving both complexity and classic Rioja typicality. The tannins have a lovely pliability while still giving structure. This is a serious, structured style, but that sweet oak influence counters any dryness from the fruit. Still plenty of life left

  • 90.5p

Made in a hot year, but not showing the effects of the weather, this comes from vineyards in Villalba, Briones and Torremontalbo and is another brilliant release from María Larrea. Savoury, sweet and well balanced, with 15% Graciano adding extra backbone and the zest that you expect from this special red. 2021-35.

  • 97p
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Information

Origin

Haro, Rioja

Other wines from this producer

Clarete

Contino Gran Reserva

Contino Rioja Blanco

Contino Rioja Garnacha

Corona Reserva

Crianza

Cune Gran Reserva

Cune Reserva

Imperial Reserva

Medianas

Monopole

Real de Asúa

Viña Real Crianza

Vina Real Gran Reserva

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