I was quite impressed by the 2012 Vina Cubillo Tinto Crianza, a classical Rioja that is nicely crafted, with less aging in barrel than the rest of reds and therefore with more fruit character and less Lopez de Heredia signature. This was born as a red for tapas, a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo with 13.5% alcohol. It matured in well-seasoned American oak barrels for three years. It has ripe fruit (black rather than red) without excess and a pinch of spices and a twist of oak.