Faustino Cuarta Generación 1970 Reserva

Wine: Faustino Cuarta Generación 1970 Reserva

Winery: Bodegas Faustino Martínez (Oyón, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano.
ABV: 12.5% vol. 

Winemaking

The wine remained for 14 months in large wooden vats to complete fermentation and stabilize before racking. It matured for 24 months in used 225-liter oak barrels. This was a non-commercial edition, bottled specifically for the Martínez Zabala family’s private cellar. Recorked every 20 years. 

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Beautiful coppery-ruby color with medium depth; very clear and clean. It displays orange and pomegranate reflections. The rim is wide and tawny/brick-colored, showing no distinction from the meniscus. 

 

Nose: Very classical in execution; poised and mature, with a good dose of vanilla, sage, and smoky notes. Animal nuances, wet staves, and stable-like hints predominate, alongside an increasingly present backdrop of red fruit in liqueur. It closely resembles the Faustino V from the same vintage, though slightly more robust and less fatigued. With aeration, it evolves gradually, giving more space to spices and a background of laurel and clove. Most correct.

 

Palate: Fresh and vivid on the palate, featuring a sparkling point of acidity that was unexpected. Well-constructed, slightly balsamic, and spicy, it maintains a trail of reduced red fruit and very pleasant, creamy toasted sensations. Still vital, though showing no signs that it will improve further in the coming years.

 

Commentary

The 1970 Cuarta Generación is a reliable example of what Bodegas Faustino was capable of producing for its private reserves. While it doesn't aim for transcendence, it offers a solid and honest representation of the house style during a legendary vintage. It is at its peak; therefore, it is best to enjoy it now as it likely won't gain further complexity with additional cellaring.

 

Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 90