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. — 2 months ago

Devin B

9.1

I love this grape. So “fresh” for lack of a better word. A little bracing, and amazing with tapas. — 2 years ago

Brian Armenio

9.3

Had this amazing bottle with my GM our in Vegas while dining at Jaleo with Jose Andres.

Mature and elegant and perfect for tapas of all sorts. — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Castillo Clavijo – Rioja Blanco – 2024
Rioja DOCa | Spain 🇪🇸

Overview:
A very casual, approachable white from Rioja DOCa, a region better known for reds, this bottle delivers exactly what it promises: simplicity, freshness, and value. Viura-driven, made in a clean, straightforward style that favors easy drinking over complexity.

Aromas & Flavors:
Fresh and subtle with notes of green apple, lemon zest, and soft white florals. There’s a gentle herbal edge typical of Viura, but nothing overt or demanding, clean and unfussy.

Mouthfeel:
Light- to medium-bodied with refreshing acidity. Smooth, easygoing, and crisp, finishing clean without weight or oak influence.

Food Pairings:
Grilled fish, light salads, seafood tapas, simple chicken dishes, or anything olive-oil driven. A reliable companion at the table without stealing the spotlight.

Verdict:
A “does-the-job” Rioja white that makes sense on the value side. Not meant to rival more serious white Rioja expressions, but a pleasant, practical option from a red-dominant region, especially when you want something uncomplicated and food-friendly.

Did You Know?
Viura (also known as Macabeo) is Rioja’s primary white grape, capable of both simple, fresh wines like this and age-worthy, complex whites when blended or oak-aged.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is the kind of easy, reliable white you reach for when you want something light, affordable, and regionally honest, proof that Rioja can still deliver on the white side, even if reds remain its calling card. — 5 months ago

Mats Lind

9.0

Beautiful wine for homemade tapas. Great value for the buck. — 5 years ago

Sam Lee

9.0

Good on aperitif or apps dishes with heart 🤵🏼 so tonight is our fried finger food night tapas dips and cheese platter which pairing good and harmonically
🧀🌮➕🍟 — 6 years ago

Brian Hearty

9.1

2023. Throwback to the days when the restaurant was España tapas and got this wine to pair with oysters, octopus, mussels, but to tell the truth it went great with everything! — 9 months ago

Dick Schinkel

9.4

At Tapas “Oscar” Corralejo- Fuerteventura-España 🇪🇸
94 DSP — 9 months ago

Gene Buonviri

9.2

Dark red, subtle intensity with dark ripe plum, cocoa and coffee. Enjoyed every drop of this wine. Paired well with tapas.
Happy. — 6 years ago

with Justinian

Abbey Jacobson

9.0

Loved it! Very enjoyable with Spanish tapas. — 6 years ago