Chapoutier Bila-Haut 2007 Occultum Lapidem Cotes Du Roussillon Villages

WA 93pts. - WS 91pts. - According to the Wine Advocate: From Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah planted in a mixture of gneiss, schist, and chalk, and vinified half each in tank and barrel (demi-muids as well as barriques), the 2007 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Occultum Lapidem smells of violets, toasted walnuts, cassis, licorice, rosemary, roasted meats, and sea breeze. The influence of Syrah – which, understandably, tends to be featured in slightly larger percentages in Bila-Haut wines than in most of Roussillon is very much in evidence. Fascinating suggestions of brine and iodine, resinous southern French herbs and exotic spices, inform the deeply fruited as well as richly carnal palate, where a caressing polish and tender, ultra-refined tannins make themselves subtly felt. The finish here is bright and refreshing even as it is profoundly rich. If there are two words I would use, Troullier took them right out of my mouth: dense, and active. I imagine this incredible value and remarkable performance for its vintage will be well worth following for 5-7 years. Winemaker Notes - Colour : Deep, dark and seductive red. Nose : Sumptuous ripe red fruits are enveloped by a twang of provencale herbs and spice Mouth : Scents of coffee and liquorice dominate the attack. The wine is very concentrate and ripe with warm fruit through the mid palate. The finish is long and rich in tannin. This wine can be kept for 5 - 6 years.