Faustino V Reserva 2018 Rioja is aged for a minimum of 24 months in American oak barrels. The previous vintage was highly regarded by James Suckling, receiving a commendable score of 93, and the wine itself has been adorned with multiple accolades, including a Silver Medal from Mundus Vini, the Bacchus Award, a Gold Medal at the Berliner Wine Trophy and a Silver Medal for the 2010 vintage at the Decanter Asia Wine Awards.
It’s medium to full-bodied red, with an aromatic profile that is both complex and intense. The oak aging imparts an immediate smokiness, complemented by notes of cocoa, creating a rich aromatic experience. On the palate, it has layers of blackberry and cedar, intertwined with nuances of leather, smoke and average tannins. A noteworthy mention is this wine’s greater than normal variability with temperature. To fully appreciate its depth and complexity, it should be served at around 19°C to 20°C. Lower temperatures, while still aromatic, mask the taste and make it come across as ‘thin’.
Widely available and called different things such as ‘Faustino V Rioja Reserva’, ‘Faustino V Reserva Tinto’ or just ‘Faustino Rioja’, it typically retails for about £12.50. It’s occasionally available for around £9.75, or even as low as £7.31 with 25% discounts, at which price is a bargain.
