Lopez de Heredia
2011 Rioja Crianza Vina Cubillo
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Why We Love It:
From one of Spain’s iconic names – this Rioja red from Lopez de Heredia is an unreal value given it’s pedigree and age. Resting for nearly a decade in the cellars of Lopez de Heredia ahead of its release to market, this 2011 Rioja Crianza is made up of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 10% Mazuelo and Graciano. Roasted aromatic herbs, like thyme and rosemary, along with a dash of vanilla (from extended time in barrel) provide the perfect backdrop to a core of dried red fruits, like cherry and cranberry. Think of this wine as the vinous condiment made to serve alongside fall roasts like chicken, turkey and pork.
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Recipes & Food Pairings:
Though ripe and spicy and intense, this red retains a core of brightness and freshness from the natural acidity found in Tempranillo – especially when grown at high altitude. As a result, we favour pairing this wine with dishes featuring some of the same aromtic herbs, or those stuffed or sauced with dried red fruits. It’s harmonious with chicken or turkey, especially off the BBQ, or roast pork or lamb. Here are a few bits of culinary inspiration to try with this wine:
Pork Tenderloin w/ Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables – RECIPE
Rosemary Rack of Lamb w/ Crushed Potatoes – RECIPE
Orecchiette w/ Toasted Pecans, Squash and Brussels Sprouts – RECIPE
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Price:
BOTTLE: $30.95
CASE: $371.40 (case of 12 bottles)
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Technical Specs:
ALCOHOL: 12.5%
BOTTLE: 750mL
Case Pack: 12 x 750mL
GRAPES: 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha & 10% Mazuelo & Gracian0
CLOSURE: Natural Cork
CELLAR POTENTIAL: Now to 2040
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 16°C to 18°C
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Tasting Notes:
“Cubillo spends three years in barrique and then in larger cask to await bottling, which happens two years before the expected release. This is very fresh on the nose with quite fresh, ripe blackberries and dark cherries, mahogany and dry, woody spices. The palate is very powerful, juicy and fresh with clear black cherries and plums in abundance. So fresh, fleshy and deep. The freshness is impressive. Long, shell-like tannins. Drink or hold.”
95/100 Points
James Suckling
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“Cubillo is a later-picked site with more clay in the soil and tends to produce the lightest, freshest and most elegant of the López de Heredia reds. Floral, refined and delicately wooded, this is sweet, delicate and almost Pinot Noir-like in terms of its flavors and tannin structure. 2020-25.”
93/100 Points
Tim Atkin, MW
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“It’s not easy to follow a 2010, but the 2011 Vina Cubillo Tinto Crianza improves with time in the glass, showing much better than expected. 2011 was a warmer year than the 2010, and the wine is a little riper but has great balance and very good harmony. It’s a noteworthy red for the price asked. 90,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2017.”
92/100 Points
WineAdvocate.com
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