Faustino I 1964 Gran Reserva

Wine: Faustino I 1964 Gran Reserva

Winery: Bodegas Faustino Martínez (Oyón, La Rioja)
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo
ABV: [Not specified]

Winemaking
The wine spent 16 months in concrete vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilize. It was aged for a minimum of 30 months in 225-liter barrels (90% American oak, 10% French and Yugoslavian) with an average age of 15 to 16 years. Bottled in its signature frosted glass bottle. It rested for a minimum of 36 months in the winery’s subterranean cellars (calados) prior to its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Brownish-ruby of medium-low depth; bright, with orange and reddish highlights. It features a broad, fully brick-colored rim.

 

Nose: Deeply classical in style and medium in intensity. It is clean, with a significant concentration of tertiary aromas. Notes of barnyard, horsehair, wet fur, and cured leather dominate, alongside a nuance reminiscent of faisandage (gamey notes), backed by a persistent core of very ripe red fruit. It requires aeration and patience to fully express itself. Spiced aromas of star anise, powdered bay leaf, clove, and smoked peppers emerge, followed by hints of fine cabinetry, cedar, pipe tobacco, and vanilla.

 

Palate: Exceptionally soft and light on the palate. Hints of fruit in liqueur appear, accompanied by gentle creamy and vanilla undertones. There is a pronounced oak influence, perhaps slightly dominant and lacking broader nuances. The tannins are silky and very refined within an ensemble of immense smoothness and lightness. While it lacks a bit of "punch"—a common trait in the wines of this estate—it maintains more than enough acidity to remain vibrant. A pleasant red that meets all expectations for a historic Faustino.

 

Personal Score: 89
Tasting Group Score: 91