Bodegas Faustino

Gran Reserva Faustino I Rioja Tempranillo Blend

9.227 ratings
9.34 pro ratings
La Rioja, Spain
Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
Lamb, Tomato-Based, Polenta, Hard Cheese, Pork, Beef, Pasta, Mushrooms, Soft Cheese, Chicken, Venison, Exotic Spices, Potato, Turkey, Beans & Peas, Herbs, Baking Spices, Pungent Cheese, Duck, Salami & Prosciutto, White Rice, Chili & Hot Spicy, Lasagna, Pizza, Barbecue, Mexican Cuisine, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Will Stanley

A gift from my old man for my thirtieth birthday this year. My last experience with this wine was the 2001, enjoyed around ten years ago. I described then how the wine lived up to its popular reputation. Happy to reaffirm that feeling with this 1994, that is an absolutely gorgeous, captivating wine that ticks every box one may have for older Rioja. It marries sweet with sour in that way that the best wines from this region do, a medley of ripe blueberries with sour cherry; bitter orange, coconut, balsamic, tobacco and cranberry. The finish is long, with flecks of sweetness that beg you for another sip. I would imagine that Faustino produce in excess of a million bottles of this stuff, given the size of their holdings, which only impresses me even more that it turns out so well.

A gift from my old man for my thirtieth birthday this year. My last experience with this wine was the 2001, enjoyed around ten years ago. I described then how the wine lived up to its popular reputation. Happy to reaffirm that feeling with this 1994, that is an absolutely gorgeous, captivating wine that ticks every box one may have for older Rioja. It marries sweet with sour in that way that the best wines from this region do, a medley of ripe blueberries with sour cherry; bitter orange, coconut, balsamic, tobacco and cranberry. The finish is long, with flecks of sweetness that beg you for another sip. I would imagine that Faustino produce in excess of a million bottles of this stuff, given the size of their holdings, which only impresses me even more that it turns out so well.

Oct 26th, 2024
Riccardo L.

Now it’s ready. Finally. Man I waited a long time for this. Now it’s ready. In 2022. Its finally ready.

Now it’s ready. Finally. Man I waited a long time for this. Now it’s ready. In 2022. Its finally ready.

1 person found it helpfulMar 13th, 2022
Drew Johnson

why not?

why not?

Aug 31st, 2018
Magnus Hillman

Faustino I from 1994, leather, dried dark fruit, instant coffee and bayleaf on the nose. Full bodied on the palate with vanilla, ceder and herbal raisins. Really smooth for a Rioja with great complexity. Amazing stuff!

Faustino I from 1994, leather, dried dark fruit, instant coffee and bayleaf on the nose. Full bodied on the palate with vanilla, ceder and herbal raisins. Really smooth for a Rioja with great complexity. Amazing stuff!

Apr 6th, 2018
Pat Taylor

The 94 shows very well right now.

The 94 shows very well right now.

Jun 6th, 2017
Sylvie Castera Linge

Discovered this beauty at Smith & Wollinsky NY and have been looking for it in wine stores ever since. Divine.

Discovered this beauty at Smith & Wollinsky NY and have been looking for it in wine stores ever since. Divine.

Apr 27th, 2017
Jesse Montero

1994. Waiting to crack

1994. Waiting to crack

May 16th, 2015
Sonia Kopp

1994

Apr 12th, 2015
Jelle Lars Heijmans

Jelle had this 9 months ago

Jelle had this 9 months ago

Apr 3rd, 2024
David Jeng

David had this 7 years ago

David had this 7 years ago

Apr 3rd, 2018