Wine: Faustino I 1988 Gran Reserva
Winery: Bodegas Faustino Martínez (Oyón, Rioja Alavesa)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 15% Mazuelo
ABV: 12.5%
Winery: Bodegas Faustino Martínez (Oyón, Rioja Alavesa)
Appellation / Zone: D.O.Ca. Rioja
Varietals: 70% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 15% Mazuelo
ABV: 12.5%
Winemaking:
50% of the grapes are estate-grown, with the remainder sourced from various local producers in Rioja Alavesa. The wine spent 16 months in concrete tanks to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It was then matured for 36 months in 225-liter barrels (90% American oak, 10% French and Yugoslavian) with an average age of 15 to 16 years. Bottled in the estate's signature frosted glass, with a total production of 237,240 bottles. It underwent a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars before its release in mid-1996.
50% of the grapes are estate-grown, with the remainder sourced from various local producers in Rioja Alavesa. The wine spent 16 months in concrete tanks to complete malolactic fermentation and stabilization. It was then matured for 36 months in 225-liter barrels (90% American oak, 10% French and Yugoslavian) with an average age of 15 to 16 years. Bottled in the estate's signature frosted glass, with a total production of 237,240 bottles. It underwent a minimum of 36 months of bottle aging in the winery’s cellars before its release in mid-1996.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brownish-ruby with medium-low depth; significantly more evolved than
other contemporary vintages. Slightly turbid with fine suspended
particles and very fine sediment at the base. Dull, matte finish with
faint orange reflections. Broad copper rim, showing almost no contrast
against the meniscus.
Nose:
Classic and quintessential Faustino. It leads with traditional aging
notes of seasoned wood and sweet spices, underpinned by a curious
vegetal hint that dissipates with aeration. Toasted registers (ash,
roasted cocoa) gain presence alongside reductive notes, hints of
racking, and varnish. A "suspicious" and growing Amontillado character gradually confirms its maturity.
Palate:
Mature, creamy, and smooth. It is fully integrated with "invisible"
tannins, though it lacks a bit of punch and is somewhat lean in acidity.
It maintains an attractive framework of spices and reduced red
fruit—spicy and liqueur-like—softened by a subtle sweet touch.
Commentary:
This is likely the most evolved vintage of all the Faustino I releases from the 1980s. While it doesn't offer anything radically different from other years, it remains a dignified wine. It is currently at its peak and should be consumed soon.
This is likely the most evolved vintage of all the Faustino I releases from the 1980s. While it doesn't offer anything radically different from other years, it remains a dignified wine. It is currently at its peak and should be consumed soon.
Personal Score: 87
Tasting Group Average: 87
Tasting Group Average: 87
No comments:
Post a Comment