Robert Parker, Jr. - The Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character.  "The 2001 Gran Reserva is 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano barrel-fermented and aged for 3 years in French and American oak. 2001 was a great vintage in Rioja and is reflected in this superb effort. Dark ruby-colored, it exhibits an alluring bouquet (earth notes, background oak, Asian spices, a hint of balsamic, roasted herbs, lavender, black cherry, and blackberry) that is given added complexity from the extended bottle aging. Medium-bodied and elegant on the palate, it still has a bit of ripe tannin to resolve, plenty of spicy red and black fruits, impeccable balance, and 5-7 more years of aging potential. This classy Gran Reserva will have a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2031, and probably longer.
Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana (C.V.N.E.) is known colloquially to most Spanish wine drinkers as Cune. The company was founded in 1879 by the Real de Asua brothers and still remains in control of their direct descendants." Jun 2010

Winery:   "Of a ruby red colour, with shades of cherry and deep intensity. Very elegant and deep to the nose, with some outstanding hints of spices, cocoa, vanilla and cedar wood, at the centre of which there is a clear aroma of mature fruit. A powerful and structured wine to the palate, with a well rounded tannin, a high degree of complexity and a long aftertaste. This wine will still evolve very well in bottle for many years."

Wired For Wine:   Me gusta!  That's what we said at our first sip of this CVNE Viña Real Gran Reserva Rioja.  Pour out those first glasses to go with a couple of classic Spanish tapas dishes: garlic chicken and jamon croquettes.  This intensely delicious Gran Reserva is perfect for them.  After you've taken care of the starters, you have many options.  This Viña Real has notes of earth, herbs, gently spicy red and black fruit, subtle oak, beautiful tannins, gorgeous structure and complexity to boot.  It pairs well with braised, stewed beef, duck and other game, roasted meats and more.  We are crazy for this seductive Spaniard with a Spanish lamb and sausage pie made with onions and saffron.  Rotisserie duck with sauteed wild mushrooms will bring out the earthy, oaky side of this deep red.  If beef is what you're craving, we suggest braised short ribs with caramelized onions and roasted carrots.  The vegetables will bring help you to access the fruit in this Rioja.  Not to worry if you can't make up your mind right now; this CVNE has killer longevity, so cellar it until you've planned your ideal meal.  If you're eating now, we can think of no better final course than a Spanish Serena cheese.  It's earthy and pungent, and absolutely delicious with a crusty peasant bread.  ¿Qué estás esperando, winelovers?

Size:  750ml, cork
Varietal:   95% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano
Alcohol:  13.5%
Ageing:   3 years in French and American oak
Region:   Rioja Alavesa, Spain
Limited Production: 300 cases imported