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. — 8 days ago

Jack Krawczyk

8.9

pleasant acidity with a ripe raspberry — a month ago

Chris Hensman

9.0

Brought by Chiqui and Iian — 2 months ago

Dave

9.1

Really dark fruit and a splash of mint. To quote Led Zeppelin and the legendary @Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego , you gotta whole lotta oak, you gotta whole lotta oak 🎶
Listening to Supersuckers — a day ago

Roman Ochocki

9.2

My third vintage. Muga (tempranillo) it’s my… certainty. Affordable price, great value. It’s a premium wine for everybody. — 2 months ago

Matthew Steilen

9.0

Delicious. Mouth watering acidity and ripe fruit. — 2 months ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.4

Rare beef on the immediate nose-- — 6 days ago

Robert Ahlstrom

9.0

Ruby rust medium opacity, medium to light bodied with noticeable acidity, herbal hints over tart cherries, solid rioja crianza — 24 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2018 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 15 minutes and 2 hours. Medium-heavy body. Polished, pretty and present. No particular component/part of the experience catapulted this into whoa territory today. 2.13.26. — 2 months ago

Lisa F

10

From aardvark — 2 months ago