WTN: Imperial Storm Trooper

[David M. Bueker]

2004 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Imperial Gran Reserva - Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (11/26/2015)
Sweet red fruit, vanilla and spice, good depth and lots of acid and tannic structure. Much too young to drink now but what the heck. Opened up through the meal, and the fruit came to dominate the wood influences. Hold if you have any self restraint. Decant if you do not.

Just read about this wine (different vintage) in The Wine Society newsletter, which explains the name


It is a true classic in Rioja and first produced in the 1920s. Its name comes after a special bottling for the English market, in a measure called ‘Pinta Imperial’ or ‘Imperial Pint’ (an Imperial pint, half a litre approximately). Decant.

[David M. Bueker]

Thanks for that Peter.