R. López de Heredia Viña Cubillo Crianza 2014

Just a single year of extra ageing has made an impressive difference. This sophisticated and charming Crianza stands out with its clean and delicate profile, easily surpassing many pricier, more pretentious labels. On the nose and palate, you'll find rich notes of cherry, spices, oak, blood, and a touch of withered flowers. It's fresh, juicy, and nearly perfectly balanced, boasting great structure and persistence. It's truly a shame this was the last bottle in my stash. Exceptional QPR.

Viña Cubillo is a blend of Tempranillo-based blend from the vineyard called Viña Cubillas. Historically these wines were called "Special Harvest". Located at 410 meters above sea level, the vineyard covers 24 hectares: 16 ha are under Tempranillo, 4 ha Garnacha, 2 ha Mazuelo and 2 ha Graciano. The average age of vines is 40 years.

Viña Cubillo Crianza 2014 spent three years in well-seasoned, neutral American oak barrels. In total, 150,000 bottles were produced. Prior to release, it spent four to five years in a bottle.

Let me repeat myself. Viña Cubillo has an incredible value. Finding a wine of these qualities in this price range is nearly impossible. At least in the Ukranian market.

Compared to Viña Bosconia Reserva 2011 (which we tasted in parallel), Viña Cubillo is obviously more rustic. And it has a less complex bouquet of sour cherry, oak, tobacco, leather, and spices. Food-friendly palate with grippy tannin accompanied by good acidity. Old school and relatively demanding style.

I can't stop drinking this wine. In my opinion (and according to my taste preferences), Cubillo Crianza is among the best Rioja wines available on the UA market for this price. Old-school style, well-integrated oak, and a combination of secondary and tertiary aromas. It all makes this wine a pleasure to drink.

Cubillo is a good traditional Rioja, a bargain, I would say. Yet I do not share the excitement around this wine. It has a beautiful bouquet of sour cherry, vanilla, tobacco, fresh leather, and spices. Not a simple one. While it shines in the aroma, it lacks in the taste. Medium body, well-integrated tannin, but the deficient volume makes acidity not so pleasant. Maybe it's just too young. So there is potential. Anyway, I am not excited, but this wine is something the market should provide more.

Viña Cubillo Crianza

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