(2024) According to the Faustino web site this iconic wine represents three out of every 10 bottles of Rioja Gran Reserva sold in the world. It is certainly the most recognisable and, between that and its ubiquity, is so easy to overlook a wine like this in favour or newer or less familar names. Although there are notes on 300 Riojas in wine-pages database, this one has never featured. Aged a minimum of 24 months in French and American oak and 36 in bottle, there's surprisingly little of the coconut and vanilla character one might expect from a 14-year-old, traditional Rioja. Instead it is cedary and spicy, with red fruits that are plummy and savoury. In the mouth it again doesn't have the sumptuous softness that I think I recall from previous tastings. A little mocha coffee does underpin, but the firm acids and grippy tannins dominate though balanced by some solid, plummy fruit. Watch the video for more information and food matching ideas. Costco is the place to buy at £15.49, though widely available including Asda and Tesco at £18-£19.

(2023) Viñedos de Altura  demonstrates winemaker Rodolfo Bastida's love for higher altitude vineyards. This blend of 50% Tempranillo and 50% Garnacha comes from vineyards at 700 metres, but interestingly from opposite ends of the Rioja region; the Tempranillo from Rioja Alta, while the Garnacha is from the Rioja Oriental. There's a fine, tobacco and lightly earthy note here, a bit of lifted cherry and violet, the aromatics fragrant and quite delicate. On the palate this is really very nicely composed. The fruit is sweet and rich, naturally so, with an infusion of black tea and kirsch playing against the spice and tobacco of 15 months in French oak. A nicely judged level of acidity and taut tannin gives a long, composed finish. Watch the video for more information and food matching ideas.

(2017) A selection from the oldest Tempranillo vines on the property, this is meaty and earthy, a touch of tobacco spice, a touch of leather. On the palate the sweet ripeness of the berry fruit comes through, but so does plenty of alcohol and a slightly astringent character. Concentrated for sure, but a tiny bit over extracted too in my opinion.

(2017) Aged in new French oak for 15 months and a further two years minimum in bottle, this is a selection of the best Tempranillo fruit. Fine nose, the graphite and firm smoky character of the oak nicely set against tight blue/black fruit, blueberry and blackcurrant. Some tobacco comes through. In the mouth it is savoury, taut and firm, a real grip to the tannins and the oak a touch prominent, but it just about has the fruit density and sweetness to handle it. Spicy in the finish.