Rioja Faustino I Gran Reserva 1996

From the Rioja vineyards in Northern Spain made up of 90% Tempranillo grapes and the remaining 10% being Graciano and Mazuelo grown in clay limestone soils. This is a very good Gran Reserva with intense aromas of spice, tar and black fruit. It is well structured with a long savoury finish. It possesses earthy, oaky, spicy, vanilla, mature red fruit scents. It has a full body and gives tastes of red earth, spices, vanilla, oak and some red fruit characters. Try with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles which are not too spicy, pulse dishes, poultry, red meat, grilled and roast meat. Best drank the day of opening.

Price: Approximately €20 a bottle.

Maturity: At its peak now.

Rating: 3/5