Hot Sheets

90 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE - CVNE (Cia Viñacola Del Norte De España, or Cune) is one of the most important producers of Rioja wine. Founded in 1879, and unbeknownst to many, these wines really sneak under the radar when it comes to Rioja. The valor of Cune's mantra of maintaining elegance and class in Rioja Alta is very admirable and still after 120+ years, still holds up to this day.
80% Tempranillo and 20% blend of Garnacha and Mazuelo and aged 1 year in US oak. "The 2010 CUNE Crianza, in a similar fashion to its 2011 sibling, is extremely aromatic, with clean raspberry aromas and the benefit of one more year in bottle, which provided it with some more complexity in the form of dried roses and sweet spice notes. The palate is velvety, really easy to drink, with clean flavors and good persistence….It's superb for its price tag! Drink 2014-2017. – 90 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE"

91 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE - Vina Real is another arm/winery of CVNE that was founded in 1920 and one where the wines are strikingly different than those of CUNE with slightly different blends and a few months longer in French and US barrels. To me, these always seem to have an uptick in quality on the Crianza level.
"Another sensational value is the 2009 Rioja Vina Real Crianza. Made from 90% Tempranillo blended with other authorized varietals, this effort comes from vineyards in the foothills of Sierra Cantabria. Exceptionally ripe with a dark ruby/purple color, excellent texture, and outstanding concentration, length and equilibrium, this is one of the finest value-priced Riojas in the marketplace. Enjoy it over the next 4-5 years. - 91 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE "