Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Tinto Crianza 2014

Winery Background and History:

Bodegas López de Heredia was founded in 1877 in Haro, Rioja Alta. Known for its traditional approach, it ages wines far longer than minimum regulations require. With around 420 acres under vine, the estate combines heritage architecture with century-old practices, including hand harvesting and extended barrel and bottle aging. Its Viña Cubillo Crianza line is the gateway to its famed single-vineyard reds, showcasing the winery’s philosophy of time, restraint, and elegance persisted through decades

Producer and Wine Maker:

Under the stewardship of the López de Heredia family, each vintage undergoes strict supervision from harvest to release. The estate uses large neutral American oak barrels for primary aging, typically three years clear of lees. This Crianza is then aged further in bottle for at least three years before release, allowing deep integration of fruit, oak, and terroir character

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

Fruit for the 2014 Crianza comes from the Viña Cubillas vineyard in Rioja Alta. The site’s well-draining calcareous clay soils and moderate continental climate bring clear seasonal variation. A rainy, cool vintage led to a delayed harvest, producing grapes with balanced acidity and ripe phenolic maturity ideal for traditional long aging

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Grapes are destemmed and fermented in stainless steel, then aged three years in large neutral American oak casks. The wine is racked and fined regularly. After barrel aging, it spends at least three additional years in bottle before release. No new oak is used, preserving pure varietal and terroir expression

Tasting Notes:

This wine displays a garnet hue with earthy rim. Aromas include dried orange peel, savory plum, leather, tobacco, mushroom, and forest floor. The palate is medium-bodied with bright red fruit, firm acidity, mineral grip, savory spices, and moderate tannins. The finish is persistent, structured, and elegant

Food & Wine Pairing:

Pairs perfectly with lamb, roasted pork, aged Manchego cheese, mushroom risotto, and hearty stews. Its combination of acidity, tannin, and savory depth complements grilled meats and umami-rich dishes

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve at 16–18 °C in medium-sized Burgundy or Bordeaux glasses. Decant for 30 minutes to allow softened tannins and aromatic lift. Let open and breathe for best expression

Storage and Aging Potential:

Properly cellared at 12–14 °C with controlled humidity, it will evolve gracefully until at least 2030. Over time tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, dried fruit, and forest floor deepen while maintaining balance and energy

Grape Varietals & percentage used:

Tempranillo 65 % · Garnacha 25 % · Graciano 5 % · Mazuelo 5 % 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

13.5 %

Scores:

James Suckling: 94 points 

Wine Advocate: 92 points 

John Gilman View From the Cellar: 91 points 

Tim Atkin MW: 91 points