Ratings
Jeb Dunnuck 92 points (2017 vintage) · Wine Spectator positive reviews
Identity
| Producer | Michel Chapoutier |
| Vol | 0.75 |
| Classification | AOC |
| Grapes | Syrah, Grenache, Carignan |
| Color | red |
| Sweetness | dry |
Tasting
| Color Desc | deep garnet red |
| Aroma | Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, plum, bramble fruits, spice, licorice, aromatic herbs, subtle mineral notes, cinnamon, vanilla, gingerbread spice |
| Palate | Fleshy, well-structured with concentrated flavors of dark cherry, plum, raspberry tart, grilled fig, dark chocolate, smoky notes, bright acidity, and a lush fruitiness |
| Finish | Dense finish with dark chocolate, smoky notes, licorice soaked dark fruit, earthy and mineral streaks, mocha, and a long dry finish |
| Food Pairing | Roasted or grilled meats, beef, vegetables, soft cheeses |
| Aging Potential | 2 to 3 years |
Profile
Acidity (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Body (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Aroma (1-5)
HIGH
Astringency (1-5)
AVERAGE
Minerality (1-5)
AVERAGE
Enology
| Organic | Yes |
| Biodynamic | Yes |
| Natural | Yes |
| ABV % | 14.5 |
| Aging Process | Aged in concrete tanks and stainless steel; no oak for Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge; Occultum Lapidem aged 15-18 months in French oak barrels |
| Fermentation | Fermentation in concrete and stainless steel tanks; extraction by punching of the cap; maceration lasts 2 to 4 weeks |
Terroir
| Altitude (m) | slopes of the high Agly Valley |
| Soil | rocky soil composition |
| Vine Age | 40+ years |
| Harvest Type | manual |
| Harvest Desc | Meticulously hand-harvesting the best grapes from the best vineyards of the Roussillon |
Interesting facts
| Bila-Haut is the Roussillon outpost of Michel Chapoutier, a visionary and pioneer in biodynamic winemaking. The estate was purchased in 1999 and is known for expressing the best terroir of the region. |