The red 2017 Terraprima wants to be a fresh and fragrant Mediterranean blend with the character of the limestone soils from the Garraf zone of Penedès. The blend varies with the vintage, and this 2017 is composed of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Garnacha and Syrah. It's a Mediterranean Bordeaux blend with herbal, spicy and peppery aromas and flavors and a medium-bodied palate with chalky, fine-grained tannins and good freshness. 2017 was a warm and very dry year, which is reflected in the wine. 10,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2019.

The red 2015 Terraprima wants to be a fresh and fragrant Mediterranean blend with the character of the limestone soils from the Garraf zone of Penedès. It's a blend of Cabernet Franc, Garnacha and Syrah from organically farmed vines from a dry and low-yielding year that produced ripe and concentrated wines. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in oak barrels for 12 months. It feels quite oaky and ripe with herbal aromas and some heat coming through. The palate is creamy and lush, with fine tannins and good freshness. 12,883 bottles and 120 magnums were filled in early 2018.

The approachable red 2014 Terraprima is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Garnacha and Syrah from vines at a property in Mas Sunyer, next to Can Ràfols, purchased in 2004. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and aged for 12 months in new and used French oak. This wine aspires to be light and fragrant, a different style of Mediterranean red, but it's still showing those balsamic notes and hints of sweet spices and ripe red fruit. The palate is juicy and balanced, with little tannin. 10,666 bottles were filled in May 2017.

The red wines begin with the 2007 Terraprima Red, a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Garnacha, and 10% Syrah aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak. Fresh herbs, olives, cherry, and raspberry aromas inform the nose of this racy red. A bit of structure suggests that this nicely proportioned wine will evolve for 1-2 years and drink well for 5-6. It is an outstanding value. Can Rafols Dels Caus is the 450 hectare property of the brilliantly creative Carlos Esteva. Importer: Steve Miles Selections, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 495-3811