JAMES SUCKLING 94 POINTS - "
Interesting plum, smoke, forest floor and oyster shell aromas. Lead pencil. Medium-bodied with subtle notes of matchstick, sandalwood and fresh berries. Minerally. Juicy and savory."
WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - " The young and lively 2018 Viña Real Reserva showcases the style of a cooler year with contained ripeness and Viña Real character. It's a gastronomical wine with very good freshness and red rather than black fruit, sweet spices and even a touch of blood orange peel. It's tasty, juicy and easy to drink, with a medium body and integrated oak. They might have used more French oak in the 2018, as they are renewing their barrels. Rating: 93+ This delicious Tempranillo-driven red comes from the high foothills of the Cantabrian mountain range, which separates the Rioja region from the Atlantic coast. Founded in 1920 by the iconic CUNE wine company, the Vina Real winery focuses on the Rioja Alavesa area (CUNE is based in Rioja Alta), a terrain known for wines with concentrated, savory-tinged fruit, heightened aromatic intensity, a mouthwatering, crystalline vibrancy, and chalky tannins that coat the edges of the mouth. That character marries well with Rioja's tradition of extended aging in small, new oak barrels, which soften the fruit's rugged intensity, and weaves in complimentary accents of cedar, baking spices, toasty vanilla and creamy cocoa. Tempranillo drives this wine's character, but 10% of it is the traditional combination of Garnacha (aka Grenache), Mazuelo (aka Carignan) and Graciano for a little extra dimension and that classic Riojan sense of balance.
Cune has been a long time staff and customer favorite from Rioja. Over the years we have had the privilege of tasting their Gran Reservas as far back as the 50’s. Our reactions are always the same, we ooh and awe, treasuring every sip. Cune is one of the most renowned and historic bodegas in all of Spain. Founded in 1879 by the Real de Asúa brothers, the company has been an integral part of Rioja’s ascendance in the world of fine wine. The company is still run by descendants of the Real de Asúa brothers and remains a constant in the cultural iconography of Spain. Their combination of traditional roots and innovative vision, has made them one of Rioja’s most reliable sources for high quality wine.
WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - " The young and lively 2018 Viña Real Reserva showcases the style of a cooler year with contained ripeness and Viña Real character. It's a gastronomical wine with very good freshness and red rather than black fruit, sweet spices and even a touch of blood orange peel. It's tasty, juicy and easy to drink, with a medium body and integrated oak. They might have used more French oak in the 2018, as they are renewing their barrels. Rating: 93+ This delicious Tempranillo-driven red comes from the high foothills of the Cantabrian mountain range, which separates the Rioja region from the Atlantic coast. Founded in 1920 by the iconic CUNE wine company, the Vina Real winery focuses on the Rioja Alavesa area (CUNE is based in Rioja Alta), a terrain known for wines with concentrated, savory-tinged fruit, heightened aromatic intensity, a mouthwatering, crystalline vibrancy, and chalky tannins that coat the edges of the mouth. That character marries well with Rioja's tradition of extended aging in small, new oak barrels, which soften the fruit's rugged intensity, and weaves in complimentary accents of cedar, baking spices, toasty vanilla and creamy cocoa. Tempranillo drives this wine's character, but 10% of it is the traditional combination of Garnacha (aka Grenache), Mazuelo (aka Carignan) and Graciano for a little extra dimension and that classic Riojan sense of balance.
Cune has been a long time staff and customer favorite from Rioja. Over the years we have had the privilege of tasting their Gran Reservas as far back as the 50’s. Our reactions are always the same, we ooh and awe, treasuring every sip. Cune is one of the most renowned and historic bodegas in all of Spain. Founded in 1879 by the Real de Asúa brothers, the company has been an integral part of Rioja’s ascendance in the world of fine wine. The company is still run by descendants of the Real de Asúa brothers and remains a constant in the cultural iconography of Spain. Their combination of traditional roots and innovative vision, has made them one of Rioja’s most reliable sources for high quality wine.
