Lopez de Heredia - Rioja 'Vina Cubillo' Crianza 2014

For over 130 years, Lopez de Heredia has produced traditional, age-worthy, 100% estate bottled Rioja wines of Spain. Their wines are legendary and still made in a very traditional manner from their prized vineyards- Tondonia, Cubillo, Bosconia, and Zaconia - which are farmed organically. Their wines are also released later than most other Rioja wines, at least 5-10 years after harvest, providing added complexity and elegance to their Crianzas and Gran Reservas.

The Cubillo vineyard is 2 miles away from the winery at an altitude of 1,348 feet above sea level; the vines are an average age of 40 years of age. The soil is from the terciaria age, composed of clay and limestone. The surface is 24 hectares, and is planted to Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. Historically the wines from that vineyard were called "Special Harvest", but is now the source of their Viña Cubillo.

"An earthy, well-aged Rioja with complex aromas of dried oranges, savory dried plums, mushrooms, tobacco and wet leaves. Distinctively zesty with bright, citrusy fruit on the medium-bodied palate, rounded by firm, juicy tannins. Quite a long, outstanding entry-level red from this traditional producer. Very drinkable now, but will also hold." - 94 points, James Suckling

Producer: López de Heredia

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Varietal: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, Graciano

Appellation: Rioja 

Vintage: 2014

Size: 750ml