R. López de Heredia
Viña Cubillo Crianza Rioja Tempranillo Blend
La Rioja Alta, La Rioja, Spain
Upon opening, VERY bitter and strong. Have to let this one open. Upon opening got pretty good. Similar flavour to the previous rioja I’ve had many times that I love, but this is just more of it and much stronger and more flavourful. Not sure that I want that out of a wine, pretty sure I’m not willing to pay more for it. Not sure if I should attribute that to the wine or its age (oldest bottle I have yet tried).
Lighter and easier drinking reds are my preference at the moment. Maybe I will feel differently and prefer the stronger flavours once I am more seasoned into wines as I’ve become with scotch.
Definitely will return to this bottle if that becomes the case, otherwise prefer other favorites or to try new wines at the price.
It’s really not a bad wine. A lot of flavour and a lot going on.… I highly suspect I just am not able to fully appreciate what it is giving me at this point in my wine journey.
Upon opening, VERY bitter and strong. Have to let this one open. Upon opening got pretty good. Similar flavour to the previous rioja I’ve had many times that I love, but this is just more of it and much stronger and more flavourful. Not sure that I want that out of a wine, pretty sure I’m not willing to pay more for it. Not sure if I should attribute that to the wine or its age (oldest bottle I have yet tried).
Lighter and easier drinking reds are my preference at the moment. Maybe I will feel differently and prefer the stronger flavours once I am more seasoned into wines as I’ve become with scotch.
Definitely will return to this bottle if that becomes the case, otherwise prefer other favorites or to try new wines at the price.
It’s really not a bad wine. A lot of flavour and a lot going on.… I highly suspect I just am not able to fully appreciate what it is giving me at this point in my wine journey.
2015. Wasn’t sure what to pair with this delicious Filipino rice dish with longanisa, chicken, and cumin crab fat butter (likely a wide range of whites, rosés, and lighter reds would work well), but I wanted to try this Spanish Crianza and it was wonderful! The fruit flavors were enough to complement the sweet sausage and the smooth tannins cut through the richness without intensifying the spice.
2015. Wasn’t sure what to pair with this delicious Filipino rice dish with longanisa, chicken, and cumin crab fat butter (likely a wide range of whites, rosés, and lighter reds would work well), but I wanted to try this Spanish Crianza and it was wonderful! The fruit flavors were enough to complement the sweet sausage and the smooth tannins cut through the richness without intensifying the spice.
Jan 17th, 2025
Started smooth after opening and loosened nicely. Deep red and rich, but not overpowering. Enjoyed with an eclectic Spanish meal and it didn't overpower some delicate flavors. Delicious and versatile.
Started smooth after opening and loosened nicely. Deep red and rich, but not overpowering. Enjoyed with an eclectic Spanish meal and it didn't overpower some delicate flavors. Delicious and versatile.
Dec 30th, 2023
So smooth and nice that it’s almost dangerous. Very balanced.
So smooth and nice that it’s almost dangerous. Very balanced.
Oct 8th, 2023
Ruby colour, of medium intensity. Nose dominated by oak and spices: vanilla, sweet tobacco, fennel, cedar. A beginning of evolution blends with oak notes. With good aeration, the wine is set up. In the mouth, the attack is fresh and liquoriced, adjusting the balance with a clearly assumed ageing. Medium body. Finals with persistent tannins.
Robe rubis, d’intensité moyenne. Nez prédominé par l’élevage et les épices: vanille, tabac doux, fenouil, cèdre. Un début d’évolution se fond aux notes tertiaires. Avec une bonne aération le vin se met en place. En bouche l’attaque est fraiche et réglissée, réglant l’équilibre avec un élevage clairement assumé. Corps moyen. Finales aux tanins persistants. Se boit bien..
Ruby colour, of medium intensity. Nose dominated by oak and spices: vanilla, sweet tobacco, fennel, cedar. A beginning of evolution blends with oak notes. With good aeration, the wine is set up. In the mouth, the attack is fresh and liquoriced, adjusting the balance with a clearly assumed ageing. Medium body. Finals with persistent tannins.
Robe rubis, d’intensité moyenne. Nez prédominé par l’élevage et les épices: vanille, tabac doux, fenouil, cèdre. Un début d’évolution se fond aux notes tertiaires. Avec une bonne aération le vin se met en place. En bouche l’attaque est fraiche et réglissée, réglant l’équilibre avec un élevage clairement assumé. Corps moyen. Finales aux tanins persistants. Se boit bien..
