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. — 4 days ago

Steve S.

9.1

Enjoyed this bottle on NYE. did not disappoint. Interesting subtle tangerine tastes lingered on the tongue that I’d forgotten about. This one n/v was bottled in early 2022. Been in my possession about 2 years. — 3 months ago

Space

9.2

Выпито 15.09.25 с семьей Гитлиных в ресторане Tartufo . Очень достойный Pino Grigio 2024 года. Зашел прям на ура!💥 — 7 months ago

Pooneet K

9.2

Didn’t realize I had this 8 years ago and liked it then too! Good to know my tastes are pretty consistent.

Really delicious and dangerously drinkable. Like a Chablis in terms of body and acid, but has a bit more tropical almost sweet fruit and salinity. — 12 days ago

Michael Chelus

9.0

Apple, lemon, apricot, melon and blood orange. Racy acidity and bold minerality. — 3 months ago

Al Chew

10

One of my all-time favourites. — 6 months ago

Neal Krishna Devaraj

9.3

This is amazing! — 6 days ago

Flinders Doyle

9.5

Super delicious wine full flavoured but easy to drink — 2 months 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. — 5 months ago

Lyn Farmer

9.4

A blend of the five Bordeaux varietals, this is an exceptional wine. There’s a great balance of acidity, velvet tannins and black fruit. Cassis, black cherry, black plum, a light toast and vanilla oak component and developing tertiary character of leather, forest floor and cigar box. Terrifically harmonious the wine is full bodied with a sense of being heavy. A joy to consume. — 9 months ago