Notes from David Bowler Wine:

"Lopez de Heredia - one of the most venerable producers in Spain– produces traditional, age-worthy Rioja. Their wines are legendary and still made the way they were when the winery was founded over 130 years ago. Following a tradition that has been passed down through generations, their wines are released at least 5-10 years after harvest, which provides added complexity and elegance to their Crianzas and Gran Reservas. 

A rarity in Rioja, Lopez de Heredia uses only estate bottled fruit from their prized vineyards- Tondonia, Cubillo, Bosconia, and Zaconia- with the idea that the only way to get the best fruit is to care for the vines themselves.

This vineyard is 2 miles away from the winery at an altitude of 1,348 feet above sea level; the vines are an average age of 40 years of age. The soil is from the terciaria age, composed of clay and limestone.  The surface is 24 hectares, and is planted to Tempranillo, Garnacho, Mazuelo and Graciano.  Historically the wines from that vineyard were called "Special Harvest", but is now the source of their Viña Cubillo."