Rioja Depth: Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva 2018

Tasting Notes

Brilliant ruby with russet-brick hues. The bouquet opens with blackberries, plums, toasted coconut, vanilla, cocoa, leather and damp earth. On the palate it's elegantly structured: cassis and fig sprawl into tobacco, eucalyptus, dried herbs and subtle spice. Seamless, silken tannins carry into a long, persistent finish—refined power without excess. 

Meet the Winemaker

El Coto de Rioja, founded in 1970, owns vineyards across Rioja Alta, Alavesa and Baja. Their Gran Reserva is sourced from top Tempranillo plots and aged for 24 months in American & French oak, followed by 36+ months in bottle. Traditional aging meets modern balance—Rioja royalty at approachable pricing. 

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% Tempranillo (plus Graciano blend)

• Vintage: 2018

• Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain (Rioja Alta vineyards) 

• Aging: 24 months in American & French oak barrels + ≥36 months in bottle before release 

• ABV: ~13.5%

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 16–18 °C; decant for complexity

Critic Reviews

• Wine Enthusiast (Mike DeSimone): 90 pts — “Cass‑like dark fruit, fig and eucalyptus... powerful tannins over pomegranate, black cherry, lavender and butterscotch... enduring finish.” 

• Decántalo tasting notes: “Concentrated and subtly mature... elegant and well-structured, with smooth tannins and a long, persistent finish.” 

• Decanter / other retailer summary: “Nuanced lavender, black pepper, herbs and creamy vanilla palate.” 

Food Pairings

• Roasted lamb or braised beef cheeks

• Charcuterie and aged Manchego

• Smoky grilled mushrooms or porcini risotto

• Tomato-herb stews or roasted pork shoulder

Why You Need This Bottle

Because this is Rioja maturity on repeat: layered fruit, refined oak, tobacco-earth nuance, and silky tannins in one classy glass. Coto de Imaz 2018 shows how affordable Gran Reserva can flex both finesse and structure. It’s Rioja tradition with a confident modern edge.

Ready to experience elegant Rioja at its value peak? Add Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva Rioja 2018 to your cart now—free shipping when applicable or club perks available. Decant it, serve it, sip like a Rioja insider.