2017 Cotes du Roussillon Bila Haut Occultum Lapidem
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Tasting Notes
Michel Chapoutier is known as one of the finest winemakers in the world, having started his career crafting some of the most sensational wines atop the hills of Hermitage. Obsessed with the geological complexity of his soils, he began to expand his holdings into other regions - particularly Roussillon where he established Domaine de Bila-Haut. After six years of careful observation, he selected high quality sites with the focus always remaining on producing wines that are perfect expressions of the terroir from which they are crafted. Occultum Lapidem ("hidden gem") is one of the most exquisite wines coming from the domaine and is curated to express the mineral effects of this unique geology. Chapoutier believes it is the mix of black and brown schist that gives his wines a "solar touch"; the Gneiss soils provide "minerality and freshness", while the limestone provides "strength and balance". The combination of vibrant soils and 60 year old Grenache vines, blended with slow-ripening Syrah grown at altitude, provide a mineral and tannic backbone resulting in what we think are some of the greatest wines coming out of Roussillon.
Critic Scores
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Not yet bottled, the 2017 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Occultum Lapidem checks in as a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and the balance Carignan and Mourvèdre brought up in tank. Its saturated purple color is followed by a fresh, vibrant bouquet of blackberries, black raspberries, dried earth, lavender, and pepper. It's certainly in the same league as the 2016 and has beautiful purity and elegance married to classic Roussillon richness and depth.
About the producer
M. Chapoutier is one of the Rhône’s most famous and established producers. The company produces an incredibly broad range of wines at every price point – from everyday Côtes du Rhône to its top single-vineyard cuvées, both from estate-owned vineyards and purchased fruit.