164. Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana, Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja Alta, 1990

1,500 ESP; 13%

…which had a similar colour profile, but the bouquet was a softer, better blended, more toasty, coffee-like oak and spice profile. Residual red fruit core on the nose and palate was complimented by sweet spiciness through a fairly long finish with gentle tannin. Not mind-blowing, but worth the wait.