Cune Rioja Crianza 2019

This lively red combines depth with energy. Bright berry and cherry flavors mingle with notes of fresh herb, cocoa and toast, supported by light tannins and crisp acidity. Focused and harmonious. Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2025. 375,000 cases made, 15,000 cases imported.

The red 2017 Cune Crianza is a wine they have always produced (though it used to be sold as Tercer Año [third year], as it was sold the third year after the harvest). It has the classical blend of Tempranillo with around 15% Garnacha and Mazuelo from the Rioja Alta zone and was fermented in 20,000-liter stainless steel tanks at 25-27 degrees Celsius to keep the fruit character in the wine. It matured in used American oak barrels for one year. They produce three million bottles of this throughout the year. It's classical but has some juicy sapidity, clean with very fine tannins and defined flavors. A triumph over the conditions of the vintage. Production was lower than the previous vintage because of the frost, but that also meant all grapes for this wine were handpicked, as nobody harvested with machines.

Reedy berry and dusty earth aromas are pretty basic, while this feels raw and grainy. Oaky flavors of clove and berry fruits are muddled, while this tastes woody and slightly green and lacking on the finish.