Description
The origin of Castell d’Encus stems from the impact the location had on Raul Bobet in 2001 while he was looking for land that could reduce the effects of climate change on vineyards around the Catalan Pyrenees. Castle Encus mission is to obtain high quality wines. So we have planted 23 of the 95ha in the property in high density with varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Semillon and Albariño. The rest of the land remains as a forest. In 2004 Joaquim Molins Gil was anexed to the project. The intention is to produce a limited number of bottles (6000 cases or less) exclusively from the fruit of our vineyards. Due to our respect for the environment we are not using any herbicide, insecticide or fungicide, except those permitted in organic farming
CASTELL D’ENCUS Quest 2013
Castell d’Encus Tasting Note
Handpicked harvest with small cases of 10 kg from grapes exclusively from our estate. The wine was fermented in stone vats and has made its malolactic fermentation in barrel. On the nose – complex and intense with certain floral notes of black fruit (blackberry) and thyme with slight hints of vanilla. In the mouth – silky nerve at the entrance. Fresh and spicy (clove and pepper) at the end
LCBO Tasting Note
Cooler than the previous two vintages I tasted last year the 2013 Quest is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot from vineyards planted in 2003 fermented exclusively in the old stone pools from the 12th century. It matured in brand new French oak barrels for 18 months. The dominant aromas are herbal, very spicy, with the oak in the background and a mixture of different berries and herbs. The palate shows the elegant tannins of the Bordeaux varieties, a clear Atlantic accent (it had some Mediterranean touches in other vintages) with good acidity and a remarkable length. There is austerity and balance here indicating that this is not a showy wine by any means. It has subtle elegance and it should age in bottle for a long time. I like this very much. It would be interesting to follow its evolution. Score – 94. (Luis Gutierrez, erobertparker.com, June 2015)
BBR Tasting Note
The Quest is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Part fermented in granite lagares which winemaker Raul Bobet has crafted out of the local rocks, the wine is exuberant and with a pit-cherry freshness, behind which the Cabernets kick in, the Franc adding forest floor notes, the Sauvignon depth and structure. Silky and seductive, the wine finishes well.
Awards
International Wine Challenge – 2016 Bronze
International Wine & Spirit Competition – 2015 Bronze