Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

2007:
‘Very perfumed with dried berry, iron and mahogany character. Full body, yet subtle and refined. So much finesse and elegance.’ – James Suckling, 93/100

‘The intoxicating nose shows blood orange, bitter cherries, leather and spices in a subtle and balanced way. The palate is sinewy, polished, has good acidity and is not terribly complex nor powerful, but is built more on the subtlety and lightness.This could well be the best Cubillo of recent times.’ - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 91+/100 (Apr 2015)

‘Brilliant ruby. Lively smoke- and spice-accented cherry and raspberry aromas are complemented by floral oils and pipe tobacco. Sweet and seamless on the palate, offering juicy red fruit flavors that deepen with air. Shows very good energy and appealing floral character on a long, penetrating finish that's given shape by harmonious tannins. Drinking nicely now, this fruit-driven Rioja should provide plenty of pleasure over the coming decade.’ – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 91/100 (Oct 2015)

2012:
‘Tobacco scented and just glorious. Rosehips, roses, hibiscus, quince, compote, tobacco. Just glorious (she says, again). The acidity on this… down my spine. A wraith of vanilla pod, of smoke. A wine of memories, pages turned, garden paths wandered in autumn, soft spices, kitchen in the shaft of late afternoon light. It may be their 'fresher/less serious' cuvée, but make no mistake, this is every inch a class act.’ – Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Sep 2021)

‘Glistening ruby. Spice-accented aromas of red berries, cherry cola and candied rose, plus a smoky nuance in the background. Supple and energetic in style, with a core of zesty acidity adding lift and cut to bitter cherry and red currant flavors that take a sweeter turn through the midpalate. Finishes long and smooth, delivering gentle tannic grip, a snap of peppery spices and repeating florality.’ – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 92/100 (Apr 2021)

‘I was quite impressed by the 2012 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza, a classical Rioja that is nicely crafted, with less aging in barrel than the rest of reds and therefore with more fruit character and less López de Heredia signature. This was born as a red for tapas, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo with 13.5% alcohol. It matured in well-seasoned American oak barrels for three years. It has ripe fruit (black rather than red) without excess and a pinch of spices and a twist of oak.’ - Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Oct 2020)