Recently Rated Cune Wines
Along with its Imperial bottlings, the Cune lineup of reds ranges from a supple, good-value Crianza to the fully modern Real de Asúa, which is matured in 100 percent new French oak. Among the whites is the distinctive Monopole, a pure Viura bottling first marketed in 1915. There’s also a lively rosé, or rosado. (The company also operates two other Rioja wineries: Viña Real, founded in 1920, and Viñedos del Contino, founded in 1973.) Here is a sampling of recent ratings:
Cune Rioja Real de Asúa 2004
Score: 91 points
Release Price: $100
Focused and harmonious, this traditional red offers plum, black cherry, tobacco and cedar notes, joined by smooth tannins and good acidity. This shows good grip, while opening nicely into spice and cigar box notes on the finish. Drink now through 2016. 1,000 cases made.—Thomas Matthews
Region: Rioja, Spain
Issue Date: Oct. 15, 2011
Cune Rioja White Monopole 2012
Score: 88 points
Release Price: $15
A firm texture and subtle flavors lend this white a modest character, but the juicy acidity carries pear, fresh herb and mineral notes that linger on the clean finish. Not showy, but has energy. Drink now. 4,000 cases imported.—TM
Region: Rioja, Spain
Issue Date: Sept. 30, 2013
Cune Rioja Crianza 2010
Score: 87 points
Release Price: $15
Coffee and tobacco notes frame the flavors of plum and light earth in this savory red, which offers a polished texture, with grip and freshness. Drink now through 2016. 10,000 cases imported.—TM
Region: Rioja, Spain
Issue Date: Dec. 15, 2013
Cune Rioja Reserva 2008
Score: 86 points
Release Price: $25
This smooth red offers well-integrated flavors of black cherry, wild herb, fresh tobacco and light smoke, backed by gentle tannins and fresh acidity. Shows good fruit on a savory frame. Drink now. 50,000 cases made.—TM
Region: Rioja, Spain
Issue Date: Web Only–2013
Cune Rioja Rosado 2012
Score: 84 points
Release Price: $14
This snappy rosé delivers cherry and kirsch flavors, with citrusy acidity that keeps the wine focused. Drink now. 50,000 cases made.—TM
Region: Rioja, Spain
Issue Date: Web Only–2013
