2012 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut (M. Chapoutier) Cotes-du-Roussillon Villages Rouge, Roussillon, France.
This wonderful blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan comes from intense schist and gneiss soils of the high Agly Valley and crafted by the famed Michel Chapoutier and team at Domaine de Bila-Haut in the wild Roussillon, just south west of the Rhone region. Chapoutier has fell in love with the region’s dramatic micro climates and unique terroirs and he has crafted some fantastic offerings, of superb quality and exceptional values and the latest set of Les Vignes de Bila-Haut, a 2013 white and this 2012 red, which are his entry level wines, are both stunningly good and I highly recommend them, they are like baby Chateauneufs, as cliche as that might sound, it does fit the bill, these are lovely wines, easy to love and compelling. The 2012 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge Cotes-du-Roussillon (14% alcohol) a classic Rhone style cuvee offers up wild scents of garrigue, bacon, cassis and pepper while the deep garnet hue lures you in, the palate is juicy with boysenberry, chalk dust, white pepper, minty anise, violet/floral tones, plum, cherry and mission figs. This red is made from all de-stemed grapes, raised in tank and vats only, no wood was used here, nor was it needed, with it’s fine tannins and lifting acidity it shows a nice cut and focus. This is pure and brightly flavored wine with solid density, vigor and volume that delivers maximum pleasure at a great price, drink from 2014 to 2018
($15 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
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