The 2000 Gran Reserva, a blend of 86% Tempranillo, 9% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo aged for 26 months in American and French oak, has a dusty, leathery nose with touches of soy. The palate is nicely balanced with leathery black fruit and a dry, smooth licorice-tinged finish. Drink now-2018. I regret to say that the selection from Bodegas Faustino generally did not pass muster on this occasion. Many were commercially sound, but just too simple and unexciting. The trouble is that the bar in Rioja is only going to get higher and higher, and as much as I adore traditional Rioja, the bottom line is that, irrespective of style, it must deliver quality. Only two wines made the cut-off. Importer: Palm Bay Imports, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642 and Southern Wine & Spirits, www.southernwine.com

Tea, mushroom, orange peel and spice flavors mingle in this light, firm red. The dried cherry and balsamic notes show traditional character. Drink now. 2,000 cases made.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add