At 13% AVB, (alcohol) the 2011 Faustino VII Rioja cost under $18 and it’s Tempranillo provided a 16 Dionysian point wine on their scale of 20.

Spicy cherry pit and some cranberry notes, at nine years old, the wine is holding well. The rim is amber but the body is deep ruby. This was their 150 year old Anniversary release.

Served with tomato basil soup and grilled cheese & ham sandwiches at the end of an icy December day.

My notes how that Faustino VII matures by six years old and holds well to its 12th birthday. I’ve keep them longer because I like very mature complex wines. Put a few down now; you’ll be happy with the result. In Vino Veritas.