Faustino I Gran Reserva 2006

Professional Ratings

• 95 Tasting Panel

  From what was considered to be a very good vintage in Rioja, this blend of 86% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo aged 26 months in American oak followed by an additional three years in bottle. On the palate, teeth-coating tannins encounter red-peppered red fruit, cinnamon-spiced rose petals, and tobacco before a hint of peppermint cools the mouth. A glorious red that has flawlessly endured the passage of time

• 93 Wine & Spirits
  This is the kind of light and fragrant Rioja that makes me smile. It stands out in a crowd of modern, concentrated wines with its delicate rose-petal scents and plump freshness. Still youthful, its 12 years of age show in a heady richness that underlies the fruit, as if the darkness of mazuelo had begun to saturate the austere structure of tempranillo, all of it energized by a touch of purple graciano in the mix. It’s easy to imagine the lamb chops coming straight off the grill as you taste this wine.
• 91 Wine Enthusiast
  Smooth, welcoming aromas of cola, black fruits and integrated oak are soft and indicate that this is ready to drink. A plump, sappy palate delivers ripe berry and chocolate flavors, while this is fleshy on a finish weighted down by berry pulp.
• 90 James Suckling
  Good depth here with rich plum and black-cherry flavors. Plenty of spicy and earthy development too. The tannins are nicely honed and the acidity sizzles away on the finish.
• 90 Decanter
  A burst of black fruit followed by a full-bodied palate with a grainy texture. It has intensity and length, if a little warm on the finish.