Lopez de Heredia - Rioja Viña Cubillo Crianza 2016

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza 2016 is surprising, spectacular, elegant, clean and fresh like few vintages before. It was a superb year, with quality, quantity and freshness. It's the complete opposite of the 2015 vintage, which was much warmer and riper. The 2016s have a moderate alcohol level and above all the perception of less ripeness (even if the alcohol level is very close). It seems very young, still quite primary. Mercedes explained: "Cubillas, a 24-hectare parcel, 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," concludes María José. In any case, it's super tasty. 2024-2032

Vinous A. Galloni

About the wine:

The 2016 Crianza Viña Cubillo, from Haro in Rioja Alta, has undergone a three-year aging process in used oak barrels. Garnet-colored, the wine reveals seductive notes of cherry marmalade, complemented by herbal and menthol notes. Dry, intense and quite grippy, the 2016 also has a slightly chalky texture. Firm and juicy, with a vibrant core, it presents itself as a tasty red in its primary state. I expect further bottle aging to reveal deeper complexities, and look forward to revisiting it in the years to come. 2024-2032

James Suckling

About the wine:

Tasty berries with aromas of white pepper, blood orange peel, candied plums, iron and a touch of dust. Still quite structured and intense, with medium to full body, but juicy and long. For drinking or cellaring.