Checking out the latest vintage of a lovely wine from the Languedoc, the Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem.
50% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 20% Carignan from 60 year old vines in Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. The wine is aged half in cement tanks and half in oak casks.
Sample submitted for review. The M. Chapoutier Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem has an SRP of $30 and is available for as low as $19.99. Ready to buy? Check your local retailers. Imported by Sera Wine Imports.
The complexity of Bila-Haut reflects the diverse terroirs and the wind of the Midi. By meticulously hand harvesting the best grapes from the best vineyards of the Roussillon, a well known Rhone producer has transformed his magic to the Languedoc and created a wine with finesse. Rich and well structured, the palate is characterized by black cherry, herb and spice flavorings, making it a wonderful partner for roasts, grills, pasta and mature cheese.
15.5% Alcohol"
Occultum Lapidem means "Hidden Gem" in Latin, and this blend from the Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France region certainly fits the bill -- although that may not be the case now that the word is out! The Cotes du Roussillon region is set up similarly to the Cotes du Rhone, in that wines that bear the Cotes du Roussillon Villages name are generally of a higher quality than the more generic Cotes du Roussillon label. Taking that one step further, there are also four villages (Caramany, Latour de France, Lesquerde and Tautavel) that have the right to also attach their name to the title, due to the even higher quality of wine produced there. Such is the case with today's wine from the well known producer Michel Chapoutier.
The 2015 Michel Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem begins with an excellent and very aromatic nose full of blackberry, plum, a little mulberry, garrigue (wild herbs), violets, a touch of smoked meat and licorice. Those excellent touches of wild herbs from the nose carry-over when tasting and intertwine beautifully with the juicy mineral laden fruit in this well structured wine. Smooth, firm tannins lead into the dry, slightly dusty and long licorice-filled finish.
