Faustino I 1975 Gran Reserva

Wine: Faustino I 1975 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Faustino Martínez (Oyón, La Rioja)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 15% Mazuelo
ABV: 12.5% vol.

Winemaking:
The wine spends 16 months in concrete tanks and large old wooden vats to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It matures for 24 to 30 months in used 225-liter barrels (90% American oak, 10% French and Yugoslavian) with an average age of 15 to 16 years. Bottled in the brand's signature frosted glass bottle. Aged for a minimum of 36 months in the winery’s bottle racks before release.

 

Tasting Notes

 

Appearance: Brownish-ruby color with medium-low depth; very clear, luminous, and brilliant. Amber and reddish reflections with a very fine sediment at the base of the bottle. Fully tile-colored (atejado) and broad rim, showing almost no difference from the meniscus.

 

Nose: Well-defined and settled, opening with ease. Medium-intensity aromas with a slight balsamic nuance. It presents soft reductive and spicy notes (clove, pepper medley, laurel) reminiscent of the 1970 Gran Reserva. It becomes increasingly jammy, leaving a sweet hint of dried fruit (orange jam, dried apricots, toasted cereal, gingerbread), alongside classic winery notes: wine-soaked staves, fine cabinetry, tung oil, incense, Virginia tobacco, and old leathers. Complete and recognizable.

 

Palate: Extremely polished and round, boasting a magnificent entry of pure freshness and smoothness. Perfectly orderly, mature, and settled, with a flicker of liveliness thanks to a very interesting acidic residue. Savory, full of spices, and quality bitters.

 

Commentary:
A Faustino that shines at a more than acceptable level, though bottles are becoming harder to find. It brings nothing new to the table but will certainly not disappoint its followers. A safe bet, as always, with many years of life ahead.

 

Personal Score: 89
Tasting Group Average: 88