Faustino Crianza Rioja 2007

Brand: Faustino

Vintage: 2007
Category: Red Wine
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Grapes: Tempranillo
Alcohol level: 13.5%Overall Rating: 7/10

The first sip of this red was a bit puzzling – is it a 2007? Doesn’t it taste too light for an aged wine? The dryness hit hard, made my tongue numb. I put my glass down, almost decided that I did not like it. Then I took another sniff of it, it does have a powerful okay smoky aromas mixed with a hint of herb fragrant.

The second mouthful was 20 minute later; let me tell you, that 20 minute made a difference on this wine. It showed some true characters of Tempranillo – crisp fruity,   spicy acidity, light to medium-bodied with an earthy texture.

To be fair, it was not a bad wine at all; it will go very well with white meat or light dishes.

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Marta's Vinyard Malbec Signature Reserve Vintage 1999

Brand: Marta’s Vinyard 
Vintage: 1999
Category: Red Wine
Country: Argentina
Region: Mendoza
Grapes: Malbec
Alcohol level: 13%
Overall Rating: 9/10

I got several bottles of this wine from a wine show in London, and now I regret that I did not buy more. This is one of the best Argentines’ red wines I have ever tasted and reviewed. 

It was claimed by the maker that the Malbec grapes were picked and selected by hand in March 1999, aged for 14 months in French Oak barrels. This is probably how it gets a brilliant deep ruby colour with amber edges, it seems more transparent than others with the same age; the intense flavours and the sophisticated noses built up an interesting structure with a smooth yet fragrant taste which made me wonder what have I missed in the past few years…

This is the most beautiful example of harmony between luscious ripe fruits and velvet silky tannins. 

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Marques de Carano Gran Reserva 2002

Brand: Marcelo Morales Calderon
Vintage: 2002
Category: Red Wine
Country: Spain
Region: Cariñena
Grapes: Tempranillo and Garnahar
Alcohol level: 12.5%
Overall Rating: 7/10

A rather fancy golden wire wrapped Spanish red wine from Cariñena region where suppose to have low rainfall and long, hot sunny days.

According to the producer the grapes were “aged for 24 months in American oak barrels with further 36 months maturation in bottle”. When I poured it into a glass, it presents a deep crimson colour fading to a pinkie red around the edges, which surprised me as such a long period of time of making does not really reflect on the wine’s colour.

With a good swirl it became a glass full of red berries on nose, again, does not smell very aged to me.

The first taste was quite dry with expanding flavours. There was oak, cherry fruit, dried herb, earth, underlying tannin grip and increasing richness to its finish.

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Famiglia Terraccia Chianti Riserva 2007

Brand: Famiglia Terraccia
Vintage: 2007
Category: Red Wine
Country: Italy
Region: Chianti
Grapes: Sangiovese and Canaiolo
Alcohol level: 13%
Overall Rating: 8/10


Chianti is a quite big region in Italy where a wide range wine is produced. This is a classic Chianti’s fine red. It mixes elegant violet scented aroma with berry fruits; mature rich but not heavy; velvety feel of tannins, gentle notes of green herb and leather, and all perfectly balanced.

I think I got this bottle for around £10, it worth every penny paid. I will certainly buy again.

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Chateau Clos Renon Bordeaux Superieur 2007

Brand: Château Clos Renon
Vintage: 2007

Category: Red Wine
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Grapes: Bordeaux Blend

Alcohol level: 12.5%
Overall Rating: 8/10

The wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. I had some expectations when purchasing. I have to admit, it was a slight disappointment when I opened the bottle. The nose was not that particularly impressive, but once it goes into the mouth the wine reveals its stronger oak vanilla flavoured body and strong tannic taste. It is deep ruby almost purple colour, a touch more pink on the edge. It goes really well with cheese and steak. However I would open my other two bottles after a year or two. It will definitely improve with its age. I will review it again then J

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