Faustino I 2000 Gran Reserva

Wine: Faustino I 2000 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 in stainless steel tanks at a maximum temperature of 30°C. Maceration lasted 27 days. The wine was racked into 225-liter barrels (80% West Virginia American oak, 20% French oak from the Vosges) where it matured for 28 months, undergoing several periodic rackings. Bottled in the brand's signature frosted glass. Production of 226,400 bottles. Minimum of 36 months of bottle aging before commercial release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Reddish-ruby color with medium depth; clear and clean. Vivid and brilliant orange reflections. Broad, fully tile-colored rim.

 

Nose: More than just a wine, it is a "double"; so similar to the 1999 Faustino I that even the finest nose would struggle to distinguish them. A true Riojan clone! It has everything expected of it: very soft, full of sweet spices and creamy oak that give way to a firm layer of candied fruit (cherries, bitter orange jam). Slightly liqueur-like, well-woven, and balanced.

 

Palate: It nails it! Lean, fresh, and silky, with a wonderful pinch of citric acidity that suits it perfectly. Easy to drink but as reliable as ever. It features a high-quality off-dry (abocada) touch that is quite pleasing. Despite this, it is not excessively ripe and appears fully polished. It will likely hold this state for a long time.

 

Commentary:
The winery's "secret formula" continues to work. This is another wine found in supermarkets across Spain that is truly worth its price. It proves that Faustino can maintain its classic profile with impressive consistency across different vintages.

 

Personal Score: 88
Tasting Group Average: 88