M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem Syrah Blend 2015

95 points                                                                      A stunning value from the South of France!  The Domaine de Bila Haut "Occultum Lapidem" Cotes du Roussillon-Villages now available - limited. 95 points Robert Parker:  "A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 5% each of Carignan and Mourvèdre, the 2015 Haut Cotes de Roussillon Villages Latour de France Occultum Lapidem is another fabulous effort that’s overflowing with ripe fruit (cassis, black raspberry), licorice and smoked herbs characteristics. These all give way to a full-bodied Roussillon that has a big mid-palate. This medium to full-bodied, layered and beautifully textured red is an incredible value and will be impossible to resist over the coming 4-5 years, and I’m sure it will keep even longer. ...I continue to be blown away by the quality coming from Domaine de la Bila Haut, which is run with the Chapoutier team. They’ve continued to grow these Roussillon releases, and even at the entry-level price point, the quality is stunning. The straight Les Vignes de Bila Haut, at $14, is a no-brainer purchase, and it’s made in enough quantity that readers should have no problem finding a bottle or more. The quality of the l’Esquerda continues to improve and I think the 2015 will be the best vintage of this cuvee to date. The top single parcel bottles of RI and VIT are made in tiny quantities, but these are up with the finest wines coming from the south of France. In short, these are fabulous wines that show classic characters (most are aged all in concrete) and represent incredible values. Don’t miss them."

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