Domaine Bila-Haut, Occultum Lapidem 2014
Roussillon, France, Dry Red, Cork, 14.0% abv
91/100.
Michel Chapoutier is one of the best producers of the Rhône Valley in France, but he has also produced wines here in the deep south of France, close to the Spanish border, for almost two decades. This terrific blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan is aged only in big, old barrels. Its name - Occultum Lapidem - is Latin for 'secret stones' or 'hidden stones', because this wine is all about terroir - expressing the slate and granite soils of this region, as well as the garrigue - the wild flowers and herbs - that typify the best vineyards of the Roussillon. It is plummy and rich in fruit, but there's a wonderful spice and earthiness too, a real bittersweet grip and authority, ending with freshness and backbone. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas. Normally £15.95 but currently on offer at £13.50 - not bad for a wine graced with 93-95 points by eRobertParker.
£13.50 Edencroft Wines. See all stockists on wine-searcher.com.
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