Vinya El Rocallís 1998

Wine: Vinya El Rocallís 1998 (Magnum)

Winery: Can Ràfols dels Caus (Avinyonet del Penedès, Barcelona)
Appellation / Region: D.O. Penedès
Varietals: 100% Incroccio Manzoni
ABV: 13%
Winemaking

Grapes sourced from the "El Rocallís" estate, planted in 1988 on shallow, stony clay-limestone soils rich in fossils, with a southern exposure. Cultivated without the use of insecticides or herbicides. Hand-harvested. Alcoholic fermentation took place in French oak barrels for approximately six weeks. The wine was aged for 6 months in oak barrels. Limited production of 2,110 bottles (75 cl) and 683 Magnums. Aged in the winery’s cellars for a minimum of 38 months prior to release.

 

Tasting Notes
 

Appearance: Intense orange-yellow with copper highlights. It shows a strong sense of density with broad, persistent legs (tears).

 

Nose: Complex and rich in detail, showing very little reduction and remarkably little evolution for its age. Upon opening, it reveals notes of toasted bread and butter—very sound and mature—with a powerful, high-intensity mineral backbone that emerges as it breathes (gypsum, flint, gunpowder). It possesses a varietal expression that can only be described as "unique": stone fruit, custard apple (chirimoya), citrus peel, nuts, white flowers, Spanish broom, and honey. After being open for a couple of hours, it remains unwavering and loses none of its intensity.

 

Palate: Even better on the palate, if such a thing is possible. Full-bodied, creamy, and concentrated; incredibly lively, with a perfectly judged acidity and a structural backbone that many reds would envy. High-quality, tart (acídulo) notes emerge. It is currently in an optimal window—integrated, subtle, and full of life. This was an excellent opportunity to witness the evolution of these magnificent whites crafted by Carlos Esteva. The Magnum format has been a perfect fit for this wine, allowing it to mature gracefully over the years. Truly one of the great Mediterranean-style whites of Spain.

 

Personal Score: 93
Tasting Group Score: [Not specified]

 

The 1998 Vintage: officially rated as Very Good (VG) for white wines and Exceptional (E) for reds by the Regulatory Board of the D.O. Penedès. This year is remembered for a balanced ripening period that provided the whites of the Garraf Massif with the necessary structure and acidity for long-term bottle aging, as evidenced by this Magnum of Incroccio Manzoni.