2012 M. Chapoutier "Les Vignes de Bila-Haut" Côtes-du-Roussillon Villages

SKU #1161990 91 points Wine Advocate

The 2012 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Les Vignes de Bila Haut is another smoking effort that will top anyone’s value list. A tank-aged blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, it is medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated and balanced, with impressive amounts of blackberry and currant-styled fruit, herbs, pepper and smoked earth aromas and flavors. Showing more minerality with air, it’s a no-brainer purchase and will drink nicely for 5-6 years or more. (JD) (4/2014)

K&L Notes

Jeb Dunnuck writes: "Any project Michel Chapoutier is involved with seems to excel, and his Roussillon Bila Haut domaine is no exception. With vineyards around the villages of Latour de France and Lesquerde, this estate releases five reds; the entry level Les Vignes de Bila Haut, which comes from a number of vineyards (and is a screaming value); the L’Esquerde, mostly Syrah from the higher elevation, granite soils around the village of Lesquerde; the Occultum Lapidem, which is made from Syrah, Grenache and Carignan from around the village of Latour de France; and his two single vineyard releases, the VIT from Latour de France and the RI from Lesquerde. These last two get close to the pinnacle of Syrah, and will stand toe to toe with the greatest Syrahs from the northern Rhone and California. Unfortunately, they’re only produced in minuscule quantities, but don’t miss a chance to grab some if you can...I was able to taste the 2012s twice, once last year, in October during my trip through the northern Rhone, and then again from bottle in January at the domaine in the Roussillon. They showed even better from bottle, and these ratings may be conservative as I think these wines will continue to improve." (04/2014)