Bila-Haut by Michel Chapoutier Occultum Lapidem 2016
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Spectator
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Wine
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Pairs well with beef.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Tasted just two weeks prior to bottling, the 2016 Côtes de Roussillon Villages Latour de France Occultum Lapidem was in fine form. Tarry, blueberry notes from the high-altitude Syrah dominate, but they're rounded out by Grenache's cherry fruit in this medium to full-bodied wine. Grown at 350 meters above sea level, it shows admirable restraint and fine, silky tannins for a wine from a hot, dry vintage.
Range: 89-91 -
Wine Enthusiast
This wine is initially quiet and reserved, with light blackberry paste and black-cherry tones that are spiced by hints of dark chocolate, licorice and turned earth. The palate boasts a firm, tannic structure and bright acidity, with flavors of tobacco, chocolate, black plum and blackberry. Herbal and spicy root overtones linger on the close.
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Domaine Bila-Haut is owned by the well known Rhone Valley Oenologist, Michel Chapoutier. The name refers to an old farm villa which was built high into the mountain slopes , among some old vineyards. The Domaine comprises 75 hectares of land cultivated under bio-dynamic farming techniques and is characterized by steep pebbly slopes rising from almost 150 meters above sea level. The soil has 3 components…Schiste, Gneiss and Clay, and the Grape varieties are Grenache, Carignan, and of course Syrah. The cool winters and very hot summers combined with little rain, and the drying Mistral breeze during the growing season is perfection for these varietals…in some respects better than in the Rhone Valley. The Domaine is located in the commune of Latour-de-France…just about as close as you can be to Spain, but still be located in France, with a great deal of history related to the Nights Templar, and the Cathar movement, hence the T in the title of the Domaine shaped like the Nights Templar Cross.The wines exhibit the distinctive pepper and spice of Syrah, but are bigger and rounder in the mouth, with great complexity coming from the Carignan and Grenache. Here is A Rhone producer getting the best out of the Terroir in Lanquedoc… a superb combination! And one of the best Wine Makers in France.