2009 R. López de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza
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Tasting notes
Brilliant ruby. Ripe cherry and dark berry aromas are complemented by hints of licorice, coconut and woodsmoke. Broad and fleshy, in the style of this hot vintage, offering singed plum, cherry compote and dark fruit liqueur flavors and a refreshing hint of spiciness on the back half. Finishes long, smooth and smoky, with a strong echo of warm dark fruits and round, even tannins that add subtle grip.
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Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Josh Raynolds
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The red they say was born to go with tapas and sold in local restaurants is the 2009 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza. 2009 was a warm and ripe year, and this blend of Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha (or the masculine Garnacho they like to use) plus 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo from limestone soils with quite a lot of clay, feels juicy and soft. It fermented with natural yeasts in large oak vats and matured in used barriques for three years. This is a bottling that has grown and improved a lot since 2004-2005. It shows very good balance between fruit and more developed aromas, with hints of leather and cherries, spices and smoke, very clean and with good volume in the palate. It's usually a little riper and with higher alcohol than Tondonia or Bosconia, with the character, finesse and elegance of a classical Reserva. 93,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2013.