One bottle of Imperial Gran Reserva 2012 Rioja (Spain). 

The wine is deep cherry red in color with gentle evolution of the color at the rim. The nose is intensely aromatic and shows a perfect balance of balsamic notes and sweet spices from the barrel ageing process with forest fruits, berries and licorice that are reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The palate is velvety and dense marked by soft, fine tannins and by a ling and fruity finish, revealing the elegance of a traditional wine. Roundness and balance make this wine perfect for pairing with cheese, red meat, game and oily fish.

The wine that represents the traditional and serious reds from Haro, the 2012 Imperial Gran Reserva is a classical blend of Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo that matured in barrel for two years. It has a textbook serious Haro nose, with dark spices, ripe fruit, something balsamic and a round, full-bodied palate within the straight and serious style of the wine. 2012 was a warm year, but the wines are fresher than those from 2011. This has fine, slightly grainy tannins with good grip. A textbook Imperial Gran Reserva.