Faustino I, Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 1970

Bottle Condition: 1970 is widely considered a legendary, top-tier vintage for Rioja, often ranked alongside other 20th-century greats like 1964 and 1982. This ia  beautiful specimen with a nice fill and a cork and capsule in perfect condition. Some cellar accumulation on the package overall but really pristine otherwise. The original necker is still on this bottle. 

Overview of the Wine
In the mid 1800s, Eleuterio Martinez Arzok took his first steps toward establishing himself as a producer and merchant of wines from the Rioja region of Spain. He started out by selling his wines in the Rioja and Basque regions, direct from the barrel. Much has changed since then and the winery he founded has since become known as one of the premier fine wine producers of the Rioja region.

In the late 1950s, his similarly adventurous descendant, Julio Faustino Martinez, launched the family-owned label in both national and international markets. Today, Bodegas Faustino is Rioja's largest exporter of Gran Reserva wines. The winner of numerous awards and gold medals in international competitions and tastings, Bodegas Faustino is a proud custodian of the Rioja region's growing international reputation as a source of truly world-class fine wines.

With 1600 acres of its own vineyards, Faustino is self-sufficient in producing its Reserva and Gran Reserva wines. The vineyards are located in the upper part of Rioja Alavesa at an altitude of between 1500 and 1800 feet. The climate is cool, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, and the vines thrive in the chalky soil. The state-of-the-art Faustino winery has a stock of 45,000 barriques, 80% of which are American oak. The winery maintains a permanent stock of 9 million bottles of Reserva and Gran Reserva wines.

Winemaker
Juan José Diez González

Grape / Blend
Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuel

Origin
Rioja, Spain

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo, the three classic Rioja grape varieties. Graciano provides a very lively colour and high acidity; Mazuelo flavour and abundant tannin, both together with Tempranillo are the perfect coupage for long ageing wines. True to Rioja, true to its origins.

Cherry red developing to an intense ruby colour. Intense and complex. Well integrated sweet and warm hints with ripe fruit, notes of vanilla and sensations of cinnamon, blond tobacco and cocoa.

Elegant in the mouth, structured and with good acidity. The finish is sweet and surprising for a Rioja Gran Reserva. There is an aftertaste of the blend of very ripe fruit, vanilla and roasted notes.

Masterpieces take its time. Aged and refined longer. Only released when optimal.

92 Points - CT

Product size: 750ml