R. Lopez de Heredia, Rioja, Crianza, Viña Cubillo 2003 The smell of this wine pulls me in – there’s a complex mix spices, leather, stewed cherries and raisins. In the mouth the acidity that I associate with Rioja is evident, making this wine ready to pair with a New York off the grill – fat hanging on and charred. The tannins are soft and resolved, making a soft bed for the flavors of cherries, both dried and cooked with cinnamon – lovely.
All estate fruit: 65% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacho, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo, estate bottled in Haro in the Rioja Alta, imported to the US by WineWise 12.5% purchased for $27.99 at Traverso’s tondonia.com