Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Bodegas Faustino – Faustino V Reserva
Tempranillo-based Blend 2018
DOCa Rioja – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A standout vintage combining freshness, balance, and precision. The 2018 shows the most complete expression among the last two vintages (v16 & v17), harmonizing fruit, oak, and structure beautifully.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh red berries, cherry, subtle vanilla, cedar, and refined spice with a lifted aromatic profile.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, polished tannins, and a beautifully balanced, lingering finish. More energetic and refined than prior vintages.

Food Pairings
Versatile, grilled meats, tapas, roasted vegetables, or even casual pairings.

Verdict
The most complete and balanced of the last two; Fresh, elegant, and structured this is the sweet spot vintage.

Did You Know?
2018 in Rioja is widely regarded as a balanced vintage, offering both freshness and aging potential, often outperforming expectations at this price tier. (I have also reviewed v16 & v17).

🍷 Personal Pick
The winner of the lineup, precision, freshness, and balance all in one. A textbook example of why Rioja Reserva remains one of the best value categories in the world. — a month ago

Joe Santiago

8.9

Mild pinot, hint of currant which I'm not a fan of. — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

A blend of 65% Cab Sauv, 20% Cab Franc & 15% Merlot, note more CF and no Petit V as in prior years. Deep Ruby with aromas of black and red fruits and sweet vanilla cedar aromas. On the palate black cherry, blackberry and plum flavors with vanilla, tobacco and oak spice. Smooth and refined tannins, long ending with sweet earthy tones. Wow!! Need to decant! Tried twice, Wow! — 4 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.0

This was the Rosé of the Cremant. It’s got plenty of apricot and other stone fruit on the nose and in the mouth. Complex and interesting. Beautiful in the glass. A great sparkling wine at a good price. — 4 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.1

Second time in a month. So good, but somewhat in your face at 13.7% abv.
Gobs of Chenin. — 3 years ago

Richa B

10

Love this fine, smooth, a little sweet and the best combination with dark chocolate. — 4 years ago

Jim O’Gorman

9.1

Enjoyed this ultra full bodied Cab with nice steak. Let this bottle breathe a good 4-5 hours before serving. And then decanter. It was worth the wait. — 7 months ago

Andrea Watt

8.9

Bold oak and cedar over black cherry and a touch of stone. Big and holds up well to food. — 3 years ago

Andrea Watt

8.9

Green apple, grapefruit, and stone. Crisp, acidic, and lightly sweet. Good flavor but a hint sour. — 4 years ago

Brett Francis

9.0

This was very closed for the first pour and benefited greatly from some time (1hr) to breathe. Once it opened up, it had a liquid smoke hints on a crisp, grassy nose. Tasted of blackberry, black cherry, and cola with along acidic finish. — 4 years ago