R. López de Heredia Viña Cubillo 2017

Tempranillo-led (70%) with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo, aged three years in American oak in the traditional Cubillo fashion. The frost-hit 2017 vintage tells its story clearly, lighter than usual, with dried herbs, vinous earth, and a faint leafy edge where riper vintages would show darker concentration. Entry is smooth and inviting, the mid-palate juicy and unforced, with a gentle chalky grip and fine-boned structure that keeps the wine focused. Not the most expansive version of this label, but the house character holds: honest, unhurried, and quietly elegant.