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2018 López de Heredia "Viña Cubillo" Crianza Rioja

2018 López de Heredia "Viña Cubillo" Crianza Rioja

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94RP
94TA
91VN
$34.99

Fulfillment times vary, for estimated turnaround times

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New York City: 21 | Culver City: 1

Additional quantity available via special order; fulfills in 7 - 10 days

94

Wine Advocate

Reviewed March 2026
94+ points. 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. (LG)

Professional Reviews

94

Tim Atkin

Review Date: 03/2026
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.

91

Vinous

Review Date: 04/2026
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. (JH)

Staff Reviews

RR
Rachael Ryan

Rachael Ryan

K&L Buyer
Review Date: 07/2026
The “baby” of the López de Heredia lineup of wines, the 2018 “Viña Cubillo” Crianza ages in older American oak barrels for three years, followed by several more in bottle, far exceeding the length of time most other wineries in Rioja age their Gran Reservas for. Despite this extended maturation, the Cubillo remains improbably fresh, loaded with wild blackberry and juicy red plum notes, tied together with classic dried dill and tobacco leaf aromas. Much like 2013, the 2018 vintage in Rioja was cooler than average, with a later harvest, so the resulting wine has energetic, bright acidity and a subtle floral, almost perfumed quality. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, deftly supporting the wine, but also smooth enough to open the bottle and enjoy now. Given the history and legacy of López de Heredia, as well as the extended aging, this is hands down one of the best values in Rioja, and one of the more finessed vintages in recent memory.

Notes

Bodegas R. López de Heredia is one of Spain’s most iconic and historically significant wineries, renowned for its steadfast dedication to traditional winemaking and extended aging practices. The winery is the oldest in Haro and one of the first three in the Rioja region, and they have consistent crafted extraordinary wines of place. Since its founding over 130 years ago, little has changed at López de Heredia. Unlike many Rioja producers who source grapes from a network of small growers, López de Heredia cultivates all its own fruit, sourcing exclusively from its own vineyards: Viña Tondonia, Viña Bosconia, Viña Cubillo, and Viña Gravonia. They rely exclusively on natural yeasts, avoid filtration, and continue to age their wines in wood for six to eight years—using barrels they craft themselves. A hallmark of their approach is extended aging; wines are released only when the family deems them ready, often 5–10 years post-harvest. Increasingly in demand, with wine collectors around the world seeking them out, any chance to secure López de Heredia should be taken advantage of!

Details

OriginRioja, Spain
Type/VarietalTempranillo
Alcohol Content13%
SKU2038887