Thursday, April 8, 2010

2003 López De Heredia Rioja Viña Cubillo Crianza



Specs:

2003 López De Heredia Rioja Viña Cubillo Crianza

Rioja

Spain

12.5% Alcohol

65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo

$24.99

Notes:

When speaking about Spanish wine the first thing that pops into most peoples minds is the beloved Rioja. The producers of this wine; the Lopez de Heredia family, have been perfecting and crafting these fine wines for hundreds of years. The winery, located in the La Rioja Alta Region of Spain, has high elevations and shorter growing season and tends to produce their wine in the old world style. As far as Rioja goes, I think this is a beautiful presentation of Rioja from an amazing Spanish producer.

In the glass, the color is intense and rich with garnet crimson hues. The aromas are lush and ripe with fruit scents of ripe red cherry, strawberry, and raspberry. A nice blend of spices are also present with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and cigar box. There is some nice oak presence on the nose which reflects the 3 years spent in oak barrels. On the palate, the wine is extremely soft and smooth and reflects the age of the wine. The flavors are bright and fresh with the fruit taking the forefront. As discovered on the nose; the cherry, strawberry and raspberry are still present however, hints of tart fruit like cranberry and currant take the stage. The finish is long and velvety in the mouth with a finish of stewed fruits and smokey oak.

Personally, this is one of the better Riojas I have come across, especially in this price range. I definitely suggest seeking this wine out. It is available throughout the Bay Area and can be purchased at K & L Wine Merchants as well as Nectar Wine Lounge in San Francisco. Buy 2 bottles as it is ready to drink now but can also be laid down for another 10 or so years.

No comments:

Post a Comment