For wine lovers who like their reds huge and concentrated, you are going to love the 2016 Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem. From a great vintage and crafted by the famed Chapoutier team of the Rhone Valley, this blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan is deep, dark, and super concentrated.
Rated 95 points by Jeb Dunnuck, he called it “one of the finest vintages to date for the cuvée.” I bought my distributor’s last 48 bottles, and I’m putting it on sale at a great “Bottle 1” price. First come, first served, and I guarantee you this will sell out fast.
2016 Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem
95 points – Jeb Dunnuck
This vintage is sold out. Please stop by the store or click here to order the new release in our online store.
I can remember when Domaine De Bila-Haut released their first wines. There was a ton of excitement and anticipation, as this was not just any new estate. It was Rhone legend Michel Chapoutier’s first foray into the Roussillon, and when the wines made it to the US, we were all blown away by the quality in the bottle. Some ten years later, the wines are even better.
Chapoutier chose Latour de France as ground zero for his new winery, and this commune is about as close as you can be to Spain, but still be located in France. Like their vineyards in the Rhone, the vineyards at Bila-Haut are all certified biodynamic and organic. Why? Because this is a family that respects their land, and they know that farming without the use of synthetic chemicals leads to healthier grapes, and healthier grapes lead to better tasting wines.
Occultum Lapidem means secret stone or hidden gem, and it’s interesting to note there is a huge rock in the middle of this vineyard. Many of the locals consider this rock to have magical and spiritual powers; whether it does or not, this vineyard has yielded a marvelous wine in the highly touted 2016 vintage. Plus, this region in the “Deep Roussillon” is one that is consistently hot, sunny, and dry, and these are all ideal conditions for grape cultivation.
Jeb Dunnuck nailed it with his review. “Deep ruby-colored, the 2016 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France Occultum Lapidem checks in as a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 5% each of Carignan and Mourvèdre. It offers fabulous blackberry, currants, crushed rocks, and violets. Deep, rich, voluptuous and sexy, with an incredible texture, it’s a screaming value to drink over the coming decade. It’s just another brilliant wine from the Roussillon team at Chapoutier. Drink now through 2028.”
If that doesn’t sound good, I’m not sure what to tell you. Although this reads like more of a winter red, I’ve enjoyed many bottles over the years with grilled lamb and beef and pork barbecue throughout the warmer months. Again, there are just 48 bottles available, and when those are gone, my distributor moves on to the new vintage. I’m sure it’s good too, but the current release is extra special. Cheers to happy drinking and eating in Asheville!
This vintage is sold out. Please stop by the store or click here to order the new release in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville