Domaine de Bila Haut R.I. Cotes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde M Chapoutier 2014

Domaine de Bila Haut, Rectificando Invenies (R.I.), Côtes-du-Roussillon Villages Lesquerde, M Chapoutier, France, 2014 

Grape: 100% Syrah, gravel over granite soil, organic & biodynamic (not certified), handpicked, aged 18 months: the first year in demi-muids (600 L) barrels of one wine then the last six months in concrete tanks

Producer Tasting Note:

Appearance: deep, sustained, purplish highlights

Nose: complex and intense; graphite with notes of ink, raspberry and cistus flower

Palate: delicate on entry, growing steadily denser, without aggressiveness, lovely tight tannins. Firm, long lingering, finish; superb violet and white pepper olfactory after-taste.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Very dark crimson. Much more exciting and tense than the Chapoutier Châteauneufs. Rich and racy. With real savour and sinew. Treacle-toffee flavours." Drink 2017-2025

17/20 points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, 2015 

"The 2014 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde Rectificando Invenies RI will easily be in the top handful of wines in the vintage. All Syrah that will see 26 months in 60% demi-muids, it has massive minerality, thrilling purity of fruit, full-bodied richness and a tight, focused tannin structure that will no doubt benefit from short-term cellaring. My note finished with “filtered through rocks," so if you like a little minerality in your Syrah, this beauty's for you. There are roughly 200 cases of this to go around, but it’s a brilliant wine." 

(95-97)/100 points, Wine Advocate, April 2015

"Made from 100% Syrah, the 2014 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde Rectificando Invenies (Ri) comes from yields of less than one ton per acre and was raised all in demi-muids. Hitting 13.9% natural alcohol, this inky colored beauty gives up lots of dark fruits, graphite, scrub brush and dried violet characteristics to go with a full-bodied, elegant, yet textured and even sexy style on the palate. There’s plenty of fine tannin hiding in here, but it’s enjoyable already and should hit the ground running. It will have 10-15 years of overall longevity." Drink 2016-2031

(94-96)/100 points, Jeb Dunnuck, April 2016

Recommended food pairing: shoulder of wild boar in spices.