López de Heredia Rioja Viña Cubillo Crianza 2005

93 points Wine & Spirits: "This comes from the López de Heredia family’s Cubillas vineyard, 59 acres of vines averaging 40 years of age, two-thirds of which are tempranillo, the balance planted to garnacha, mazuelo and graciano. They designate this vineyard’s wine as a Crianza, though it has the grandeur and elegance that takes it to a higher level. The lush fruit has scents of tart raspberries and sweet cherry compote, while a prickle of spice keeps it lean and classical in structure. That spiciness brings chorizo to mind, with which this would be delicious. (Dec 2012)"

91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(65% tempranillo, 25% garnacha and 5% each of graciano and mazuelo): Deep red. Highly perfumed aromas of cherry, raspberry and baking spices, plus a hint of mocha. Sappy and seamless in texture, with very good depth and clarity to its spicy red fruit flavors. Fine-grained tannins come on late and add shape to the long, penetrating, spice-dominated finish. Pretty tasty right now but this elegant wine's balance bodes well for aging. (Sep/Oct 2011)"

91 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "[$32 list] The 2005 Cubillo Tinto Crianza has a wonderful bouquet with leathery red fruit augmented by subtle hints of undergrowth, tobacco and a touch of spice. The palate is medium-bodied with a bit of piquancy on the entry. The acidity is quite sharp and it is missing a little flesh and weight towards the tensile finish.. (Aug 2012)"

WHWC Staff Notes: "The recent drizzly weather required soft blankets and goblets of Rioja. While I was prepared for a drowsy, belly-warmer of a wine, I was so pleasantly energized by this lithe and graceful red that I had to share. López de Heredia represents the old guard of Rioja. Granted, old school is a term that is thrown around quite a bit, but in this case, this winery might actually define it. While neighbors have injected bits of modernity into their production-stainless steel tanks, French barriques, intermingled with organic viticulture, etc.-López de Heredia has stuck with their same traditional methods for over 100 years. Owned and operated by the same family since its inception, including an in-house cooperage workshop and 250 acres of estate-run vineyards, this is a winery that withstands the test of time. Viña Cubillo is their entry-level Crianza. However, with 2005 being their current release, it's cellared similarly to their Reserva and Gran Reserva. This is Rioja worth seeking out. Bring out the good stemware for this aromatic, spicy, graceful wine. Cheers!" - Serena Alvarez, 10/11/13

Producer notes: "Tempranillo (65%), Garnacha (25%), and the rest Mazuelo and Graciano, all from our own vineyards. Colour: Clear, bright ruby. Nose: Fresh and slight aroma to licorice with consistent texture and persistent aroma. Taste: Smooth, fresh and persistent. Barrel aged 3 years, racked twice per year and fined with fresh egg whites. Alcohol 13%."