CVNE, Rioja Imperial Reserva other_regions_italy The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon starts

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon starts off dry and cedary

spice and earth-suffused cassis and plum-scented nose

the 2019 vintage was a return to a classic growing season in the Willamette Valley

intensely flavored and medium-sweet

CVNE, Rioja Imperial Reserva other_regions_italy The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon starts85% 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)