From: Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
Varietal: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, Graciano
Taste & Critical Acclaim: “Savory berries with aromas of white pepper, blood orange peel, preserved plums, iron and a touch of dust. Still pretty structured and intense, with a medium to full body, but juicy and long.” 94 points, Zekun Shuai for James Suckling, Aug 2024
“The 2016 Crianza Viña Cubillo, from Haro in Rioja Alta, underwent a three-year aging process in used oak barrels. Garnet in color, the wine reveals enticing notes of cherry marmalade, complemented by herbal, mint-like hints. Dry, intense and fairly grippy, the 2016 also features a mild chalky texture. Firm and juicy with a vibrant core, it presents itself as a flavorful red in its primary state. I anticipate that further bottle-aging will unlock deeper complexities, and I look forward to revisiting it in the years to come.”
94 points, Joaquín Hidalgo for Vinous, Dec 2023
“The 2016 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza was surprising, spectacular, elegant, clean and fresh like few vintages before. It was a superb year, with quality, quantity and freshness. It's quite the opposite from the previous 2015, which was a much warmer and riper year. The 2016s have moderate alcohol and especially the perception of less ripeness (even though the alcohol is very similar). It feels very young, still quite primary. Mercedes explained, "Cubillas, a 24-hectare plot, is a vineyard that could produce Gran Reserva wines. It's a very good vineyard, but we would miss the Crianza in our range". In fact, the comment was that this vintage is even a challenge for the Viña Tondonia red "because of its price." It is indeed a bargain. "But it doesn't have the finesse of Tondonia," concluded María José. Anyway, it's super tasty.”
94 points, Luis Gutiérrez for Wine Advocate, Feb 2024
“Leather, tar and spice box aromas offer a fragrant overtone for this fresh, medium-bodied red. Fine, taut tannins sculpt flavors of dried cherry and cranberry, singed orange peel and cured tobacco. Silky on the palate, this opens nicely in the glass. Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2029. 7,500 cases made, 5,000 cases imported.” 90 points, Allison Napjus for Wine Spectator
Pairing: The Viña Cubillo’s traditional aging and red-fruited character, along with its moderate body and acidity, pair best with foods that offer savory, earthy, or herbal elements. Look to classic Spanish fare, such as grilled lamb chops with rosemary, pisto manchego (Spanish ratatouille), or chorizo-stuffed piquillo peppers. It also complements dishes with tomato or paprika-based sauces, such as braised chicken with olives and smoked paprika, or eggplant baked with garlic and oregano.
About:
The López de Heredia family has played a foundational role in shaping both Rioja winemaking and the region’s regulatory structure. The estate was founded in 1877 by the Basque wine trader Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, making it one of the first three wineries, alongside Marqués de Riscal (founded in 1858) and Marqués de Murrieta (founded in 1852), established in Rioja and the oldest in Haro, in the Rioja Alta region.
