2014 Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja
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Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,354 g. 24 months in oak barrels. A wine that needs lots of air – it's kind of hunched over and crunched up when first poured. But give it a little bit of time and swirling and the sweet spice-and-autumn-leaves layers start to emerge. Dried cherries and mushrooms. Clove and Five Spice. Wonderful Thai-basil and orange-peel freshness emerging from the sepia-tinged, autumnal depth of the wine. The tannins wind softly around the wine like silk ribbons and spice vines. The wine has a heart beat. This really is fabulous! (TC)
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Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
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The 2014 Gran Reserva Faustino I is light garnet in hue, which is a classic expression from Rioja Alavesa. It opens with scents of sour and dried cherry, followed by herbal, undergrowth notes and subtle aging aromas of cedar and caramel. Dry, polished and softly textured, this has a delicate freshness and a chalky final note. It is familiar and comforting.