Cune Rioja Reserva 2010

Cune Rioja Reserva 2010

I first wrote about this wine after tasting it at Son Ryan's and then buying some for our consumption. This Cune Rioja Reserva is a Tempranillo based blend.  As I wrote in my review of this wine back at the time,  Cune is actually named after the initials of the production company, C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España). By their testament, this is produced in the style of "a red ‘clarete’ wine was made as a fine wine in the style of the Bordeaux “Claret” produced by the great chateaux’s of the Medoc." While we picked up the initial bottles of this 2010 vintage release at Binny's, our local beverage superstore, this is now on the floor at Vin Chicago, our other local discount wine merchant.

 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Reserva 2010

Dark garnet colored, medium bodied, well balanced acidic backbone, smooth and polished, nicely integrated oak flavors predominate, forward dark berry fruits and soft floral accentuate the classic Rioja smoky creosote with hints of vanilla on a lingering finish.

This is a blend of Tempranillo: 85%, Grenacha, Graciano and Mazuelo 15%.

RM 90 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/notes.asp?iWine=1925300

http://www.cvne.com/ 

Cune Rioja Reserva 2011

Cune Rioja Reserva Tempranillo Blend 2011

I wrote about the 2010 vintage of this wine recently when son Ryan brought it to our family Sunday brunch. I said at the time that while I don't do much Spanish wine and we hold only a few labels in the cellar, I would rate this one a good QPR (quality-price-ratio) value buy and that I would definitely pick some up. When I went to get some, the '10 was replaced by the next vintage release, the 2011 was on offer, and I also have seen the 2012 in some stores. I picked up the '11 and will probably try the '12 at some point too.

Cune is actually named after the initials of the production company, C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España), the first wine of this winery to do so. By their testament, this is produced in the style of  "a red ‘clarete’ wine was made as a fine wine in the style of the Bordeaux “Claret” produced by the great chateaux’s of the Medoc."

C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Reserva 2011

I liked the 2010 more than the 2011, which was less structured without the predominant backbone core of dark fruits accentuated by spicy oak. Like the 2010, the 'll was also as noted by the winemaker's notes, "Intense ruby red, bright and deep in colour." I found it similar in style and character, dark berry fruits accented by spice, cassis, oak, and tones of smoke and creosote with long lingering tannins on the bright tangy finish. 

As with the 2010, the 2011 is also a blend of Tempranillo: 85%, Grenacha, Graciano and Mazuelo 15%. 

RM 89 points. I gave the '10 91 points, Robert Parker gave the '11 90 points.
 

http://www.cvne.com/

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2141378