Robert Parker: 94

Tim Atkin: 94

Hudin: 92

James Suckling: 91

Jancis Robinson: 17+

Castell d’Encus Costers del Segre Torres Raul Bobet 2001 1,000 Talarn 12 Bobet

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Castell d’Encus Raul Bobet Ferrer Bobet Sergi Ferrer-Salat Priorat

Quest Raul Bobet

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Bordeaux blend –Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot

12 18

(Robert Parker’s rating: 94 points)
2018 Quest 14%PH3.510,500200

Castell d’Encus is among Spains most visionary estates, founded by Raul Bobet, former head winemaker at Torres. In 2001, seeking wines less affected by climate change, Bobet discovered the remote village of Talarn, 1,000 meters high in the Pyrenees subzone of Costers del Segre.

The altitude brings sharp daynight temperature shifts, giving the wines purity, freshness, and elegance. What sets Castell d’Encus apart is its revival of ancient methods: 12thcentury handcarved stone lagars, once used by monks, now restored for natural fermentation. Today, most wines begin in these historic vats before aging in stainless steel or oak.

Bobets approach is deeply philosophical and sustainable. The wines are crafted with minimal interventionno chemicals, low sulfurand the entire estate is powered by geothermal energy. Many of the wines are named in Sanskrit or after the vineyards where the grapes are grown, reflecting a meditative and sitedriven ethos.

Queststands out as a Bordeaux blend that embodies Bobets spirit of explorationan ongoing challenge to question, to seek essence, and to move closer to truth through wine. It delivers remarkable complexity, layered nuance, and profound harmony on the palate.

Bobets work at Castell d’Encus is complemented by his role at Ferrer Bobet in Priorat, a joint venture with entrepreneur and wine lover Sergi FerrerSalat, where he continues to explore the potential of mountain viticulture.

Country of Origin:
Catalonia, Spain

Type:
Red/Rouge (Still)

Grape Varieties:
Bordeaux blend –Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot

Vinification:
Fermented in 12th-century stone lagars, followed by malolactic and 18 months of aging in brand-new French barriques.

Tasting Notes:
(Robert Parker’s rating: 94 points)
An herbal and peppery red Bordeaux blend, the 2018 Quest iscomplex, intense and juicy, with round tannins and very peppery sensations on the palate. It has 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.5, with good freshness and acidity. It’s still young and lively and should evolve nicely in bottle. 10,500 bottles and 200 magnums produced.