2020 Bila Haut (Chapoutier) - Occultum Lapidem (750ml)

Bila-Haut is the Roussillon project of Michel Chapoutier, one of the Rhône Valley's most respected winemakers, who brought his biodynamic approach south to this historic corner of the Languedoc-Roussillon. The estate focuses on hand harvesting the best parcels of the region, aiming to capture the diverse soils and strong winds of the Midi in wines of real finesse. Occultum Lapidem, Latin for "hidden gem," represents the top tier of the range.

This cuvée comes from Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan grown on vines around sixty years old in Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France, one of only four villages permitted to attach its name to the appellation. Each variety ferments separately with native yeast in cement vats, and racking is used in place of filtration to clarify the wine naturally. Aging takes place in a mix of cement tank and six hundred liter wooden demi-muids, giving structure without heavy oak influence.

The wine shows a deep garnet color, with a nose that opens on graphite and leather before turning toward black pepper, dark fruit, and scrubby garrigue herbs. The palate is rich and dense, turning fleshy and warm, finishing long and sappy with fine, well knit tannins. It pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled sausages, or hearty stews.