Faustino I 1996 Gran Reserva

Wine: Faustino I 1996 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Faustino Martínez (Oyón, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo.
ABV: 13% vol.

Winemaking

Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine matured for 28 months in 225-liter oak barrels (80% American oak from West Virginia, 20% French oak from the Vosges). Bottled in the estate's signature frosted glass bottle. Production of 243,960 bottles (75 cl). It underwent a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars prior to its commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Reddish-ruby color with medium depth; clear and clean. It displays brilliant amber reflections. The rim is wide and orange, showing a marked contrast against the meniscus.

 

Nose: Initially hesitant to open, showing a certain degree of closure—somewhat sullen and coarse in its manners. From the start, hints of sweet spices and a creamy, dairy-like toastiness emerge in the background, overshadowing other details. After decanting for just under an hour, the wine becomes more "confit" and shows great maturity. Candied red fruits, orange peel, cloves, and brioche dough appear, alongside a very fine balsamic touch reminiscent of star anise and maraschino liqueur. It gains intensity and expression, albeit in a somewhat variegated and baroque style. Overall, it differs significantly from other vintages of the 1990s.

 

Palate: A textbook Faustino on the palate, though with a high level of acidity that recalls the 1982 harvest. Vivid, ample, and spicy, it features traces of reduced red fruit (sun-dried tomato, cherries) and a very pleasant spicy finish. Mr. Van Bambeeck can rest assured; this remains a reliable label.

 

Commentary

The 1996 Gran Reserva is a testament to Faustino’s constant commitment to quality and its resistance to fleeting fashions. It is a reference wine that, despite its initial austerity, unfolds with a complexity and acidity that guarantee its longevity. A reliable pillar of Rioja that continues to deliver a high-level experience for its price point.

 

Personal Score: 90
Tasting Group Average: 88