R. López de Heredia
Viña Cubillo Crianza Rioja Tempranillo Blend
La Rioja Alta, La Rioja, Spain
Popped and poured; no formal notes. This bottle was enjoyed over two days however, upon reflection, I found that I enjoyed this better on Day 1. The 2014 “Cubillo” is loaded with beautiful ripe red and black fruits accompanied by some olive, dill, vanilla, and coconut. Structure is pretty much medium across the board. I preferred it on Day 1 not because it fell off…it just didn’t hit the same way when I drank the other half of the bottle on Day 2. Hard to really explain. Anyway, these are meant to be enjoyed on the younger side so might as well drink now although they will probably drink very well for several years to come. I really enjoy these wines.
Popped and poured; no formal notes. This bottle was enjoyed over two days however, upon reflection, I found that I enjoyed this better on Day 1. The 2014 “Cubillo” is loaded with beautiful ripe red and black fruits accompanied by some olive, dill, vanilla, and coconut. Structure is pretty much medium across the board. I preferred it on Day 1 not because it fell off…it just didn’t hit the same way when I drank the other half of the bottle on Day 2. Hard to really explain. Anyway, these are meant to be enjoyed on the younger side so might as well drink now although they will probably drink very well for several years to come. I really enjoy these wines.
Apr 2nd, 2023
Really good. For the price, hard to beat.
Leather, smoke, tobacco, dark fruit.
Beauty.
Really good. For the price, hard to beat.
Leather, smoke, tobacco, dark fruit.
Beauty.
Another classic example of this entry-level wine in the portfolio of Lopez de Heredia, the 2011 Viña Cubillo is a commendable, traditional Rioja - even if it is not quite at the level of the superb 2010 that punched way above its price point.
Featuring an overwhelmingly vanilla-led nose (a little too sweet, perhaps), the palate follows up with the savoury profile so characteristic of the LdH reds, a medley of dried cherry, cranberry, and orange bitters. The tannins are very supple here - barely perceptible - and the acidity is quite low, so this is a wine that drinks very well now and may not develop much further in bottle.
Overall, splendid.
Another classic example of this entry-level wine in the portfolio of Lopez de Heredia, the 2011 Viña Cubillo is a commendable, traditional Rioja - even if it is not quite at the level of the superb 2010 that punched way above its price point.
Featuring an overwhelmingly vanilla-led nose (a little too sweet, perhaps), the palate follows up with the savoury profile so characteristic of the LdH reds, a medley of dried cherry, cranberry, and orange bitters. The tannins are very supple here - barely perceptible - and the acidity is quite low, so this is a wine that drinks very well now and may not develop much further in bottle.
Overall, splendid.
Founded by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a student in the art of wine making. Blend of 65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho, 10% Mazuelo and Graciano, aromas of sweet berry fruits and spice notes. On the palate cherry and ripe strawberry flavors with citrus notes, cinnamon spice. Fine smooth tannins, long finish, well balanced, ending with fruit and earthy tones. Nice value.
Founded by Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a student in the art of wine making. Blend of 65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho, 10% Mazuelo and Graciano, aromas of sweet berry fruits and spice notes. On the palate cherry and ripe strawberry flavors with citrus notes, cinnamon spice. Fine smooth tannins, long finish, well balanced, ending with fruit and earthy tones. Nice value.
Jun 18th, 2021
Ha, 2010 Crianza. With air starts to take on Bosconia forms. The velvety oak & vanilla notes are more pronounced on opening day, but wait: this seems to be a particularly good Cubillo vintage, it all melds into a Lopez unique form of poetry. Crushed red fruits, bay leaf, velvety, fresh mouthfeel. We all deserve 20$ bottles like this.
Ha, 2010 Crianza. With air starts to take on Bosconia forms. The velvety oak & vanilla notes are more pronounced on opening day, but wait: this seems to be a particularly good Cubillo vintage, it all melds into a Lopez unique form of poetry. Crushed red fruits, bay leaf, velvety, fresh mouthfeel. We all deserve 20$ bottles like this.
Feb 2nd, 2020
Red cherry, red plum / American oak for days—coconut, dill, vanilla / slightly dried quality on the fruit. Delicious.
Red cherry, red plum / American oak for days—coconut, dill, vanilla / slightly dried quality on the fruit. Delicious.
Dec 22nd, 2019Raging American oak. Cherries Astringent. Good intensity.
Raging American oak. Cherries Astringent. Good intensity.
Nov 16th, 2019
Always punches above its weight
Always punches above its weight
Jul 19th, 2019
A group of us met up for happy hour and I was asked to chose the wine. The shop we were meeting at had three bottles of Viña Cubillo on the shelf; none remained when we were done. I think the group had full intentions of drinking other things but why bother when this is available. I mean, what an incredible value and it hits all the spots: bright cherry core, some olive and baking spice, bright, beautiful. Nobody else at the table had ever had anything from LdH. Now, they won’t forget. It’s always nice to share great wine with open minded people.
A group of us met up for happy hour and I was asked to chose the wine. The shop we were meeting at had three bottles of Viña Cubillo on the shelf; none remained when we were done. I think the group had full intentions of drinking other things but why bother when this is available. I mean, what an incredible value and it hits all the spots: bright cherry core, some olive and baking spice, bright, beautiful. Nobody else at the table had ever had anything from LdH. Now, they won’t forget. It’s always nice to share great wine with open minded people.
May 13th, 2019