Stockist/Retailer: Costco

(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) The main difference between this wine and the 'Grand Ardeche' Chardonnay is that this cuvée sees no oak, spending 10 months in stainless steel before release. Full malolactic has given this plenty of creaminess and a light oatmeal sheen. In the mouth the fruit is super ripe and sweet; the sweetness actually detracts for me, making this rather cloying before a blast of acidity that really doesn't sit very elegantly in the picture. Sorry Louis Latour, but not my favourite of your normally very reliable white wines. Costco members can buy for £11.15 at time of review.

(2022) I reviewed this same wine and vintage last year and liked it, awarding 90 points, as I do again now. The main reason for reviewing it again is that Costco have it listed at £15.99 at time of writing which makes it a very good buy - others have it for between £20 and £25. It's a substantial and yet fragrant Pinot, with perhaps just too much charry oak for its own good, but the sweetness of the ripe fruit and proper Pinot characters of truffle and briar wood are there too.

(2022) From the coastal part of the Aconcagua Valley. Very cool on the nose, a touch of cool herbs and flint and crisp apple and citrus. The oak adds just a little almond touch. Zesty on the palate, lots of bursting lemon and orange, then the palate is quite lean. There's a pleasantly pithy dryness to this that's far removed from 'golden' buttery Chardonnay style. Long and lean, the fruit edged with sweet, Ogen melon ripeness and the oak adding just a touch of creaminess. With 50% of malolactic blocked, it retains bite and freshness. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas.

(2022) From Margaret River in Western Australia, and weighing in with just 12.5% alcohol, this is a Chardonnay in a cool and flinty style. Malolactic was blocked to retain acidity and the wine was matured in French oak barriques (20% new). There is plenty of buttery Brazil nut and that struck match wisp on the nose, but beneath the fruit seems ripe and bright. In the mouth there's a cool, almost minty freshness to the fruit, the oak more subtle and adding a creamy sheen. It's a poised and carefully-crafted style. Watch the video for more information.

(2020) Slightly more lift to the nose, a fine shellac and walnut note over red fruits. The palate has a delicious freshness and a nicely nutty, savoury character against the sweetness. Delicious length here, smoky tobacco and creaminess into a long, mellow finish. Many independent merchants stock this at between £32.50 and £36, but Costco members can buy for under £30.

(2019) Comes only from the slopes with long sunset exposure - hence the name - and at least 90 days appassimento, followed by 24 months in oak - mostly large barrels - and a year in bottle. Delightful dried cherry and herbs, a nice note of mneatness, but elegance too. Andrea says it is a "25 year wine." In the mouth lovely lifted cherry and floral aromas come to fruition, delicate and energetic flavours despite being a big wine - a gentle giant - with such lovey precision yet warmth and weight with that touch of sweet dried fruit in the finish.