2004 Can Rafols del Caus "Gran Caus" Blanco Penedes, Spain (Previously $20)

90 point from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2004 Gran Caus White is a blend of 50% Xarel-lo, 30% Chardonnay, and 20% Chenin Blanc which was aged 18 months in bottle prior to release. Its color is medium-gold with an expressive nose of mineral, melon, and peach with tropical scents in the background. This round wine has excellent weight and balance and should pair well with salmon, tuna, and fowl. Drink it over the next 1-2 years." (02/07) 90 points Tanzer's IWC: "Light gold. Powerful peach and floral honey on the nose, with a kiss of minerals. Lush and creamy, with exotic tropical fruit flavors, soft acidity and bright, stony lift. Plays freshness against ripeness nicely, finishing with very good breadth and length." (Jul/Aug 08) Can Rafols dels Caus is a 17th century manor house, it's also where Carlos Esteva settled at the end of the 1970s and devoted himself to the production of fine wines. The property, which covers around 450 hectares, lies deep in the heart of the Garraf Massif, a rocky outcrop that forms part of the Catalan coastal mountain range. The winery's production is sensitive and intelligent, drawing out the properties of both grape juice and skin to communicate a philosophy of elegance, balance, longevity and a taste of the intangible. This blend of Xarel·lo 70%, macabeu 15%, muscat 5%, chardonnay 5%, chenin blanc 5% is aromatic, rich in ctirus fruit, minerals and earth notes. An excellent match with seafood, especially octopus salad.