Faustino Rivera Ulecia Crianza 2021

Faustino Rivera Ulecia Crianza 2021
$35, 13.5% alcohol, screwcap, Rioja (Spain)

This Crianza – a blend of Tempranillo and Grenache – shows a bit more oak than the other reds in the Faustino Rivero Ulecia range, evident in the creamy vanilla flavours and textures. Oak works as a positive here, and it does because it teams so well with the plum and red cherry fruit flavours, and also with the toasty, choc-orange notes, and too with the lacings of fragrant herbs. It’s a medium-weight red wine but it spreads across the palate nicely, and the gently rusty/rustic nature of the tannin and the finish overall is an attractive final touch. Red wine drinkers everywhere would enjoy this wine. 92 points.