To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Carlos Esteva as a winemaker, we have made a Special 30th Anniversary Edition limited to 2,900 bottles (750 ml) and 100 magnums (1500 ml). This 2006 red wine is 100% Cabernet Franc from "La Pujada" vineyard. www.canrafolsdelscaus.com
Wine Advocate #200 | Apr 2012 | Neal Martin
The 2006 “30” Aniversari is a pure Cabernet Franc from 25- to 30-year-old vines on the chalky soils of the Garraf Massif. It is fermented with natural yeasts, and malolactic fermentation in French oak, where it is aged for 12 months. The name refers to the anniversary of winemaker Carlos Esteva’s career. Perhaps I would have sought more of the bell pepper character of the grape variety; nevertheless, the fruit is pure and clean with blackberry and garrigue aromas emerging with time – rosemary and fennel. The palate is medium-bodied, with a tannic entry and a “gritty” texture plus a rigid backbone. It is very fresh and poised, less Loire and more Bordeaux-like towards the finish. This is a very fine Cabernet Franc that deserves three to four years of cellaring.
I covered Can Rafols dels Caus on Wine-Journal at the tailend of 2011, when Carlos Esteva visited the UK. The estate is located in the Garraf Massif at around 600 metres above sea level and includes 450 hectares of vine. As has been mentioned previously, their policy is to release wines when they are reached their drinking plateau – a policy I respect, though of course, the best time depends upon which stage of evolution you like to drink your wines!