López de Heredia Viña Cubillo Crianza 2018

Viña Cubillo comes from a large, 24-hectare vineyard called Cubillas in Haro which has more clay in the soil and was used to make clarete-style wines back in the day. Combining Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 5% each of Graciano and Mazuelo, it’s savoury, complex and nicely mature with layers of dill and tobacco leaf and an earthy palate of sweet spices, hibiscus and wild strawberry.

The red 2018 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza is pretty and attractive, fresh and aromatic, floral, the result of a challenging year with lots of rain and high humidity. This is usually the last vineyard to be harvested, and the grapes were picked late, the 26th of October. It's a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo that matured in a combination of oak vats and well-seasoned American oak barrels for six years. It's elegant and clean, young and undeveloped, with very fine tannins and a sleek, polished mouthfeel. It has 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.0 and 6.5 grams of acidity. This could be the finest Cubillo in recent times, and it's a bargain.

Aged for three years in 225-liter American oak, the 2018 Crianza Viña Cubillo (70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo) displays deeper black fruit than is typical for the house. On the nose, sandalwood, cedar and delicate vanilla intertwine with intense field herbs and pine. The palate is defined by chalky tension and agile freshness, supported by light grip and a persistent, savory finish.