Bodegas Faustino I Gran Reserva Rioja 2006, Spain

A beautiful color of ruby with a wide brick rim.

Light and gentle nose of blueberries, black cherries, black currants, light oak, Indian spices, cinnamon, light licorice, coffee, light vinaigrette, curry and black pepper.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with cherries, strawberries, red currants, light cedar, vegetables, coffee, tobacco leaf, herbs, black tea, peppercorn, vinaigrette and earth.

Medium plus on the finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 14 year old is drinking very nicely now, although not from the best vintage.

Needs 2 hours to open up properly and show the beautiful nose, but pretty good right out of the bottle too.

This Gran Reserva is always enjoyable. A nice wine to have by itself or with food, and especially great with fatty cheeses.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$28.

• * Red Wine
• Spanish Red Wine
• Spanish Rioja