M. Chapoutier : Bila-Haut R.I. 2025

Characteristics and tasting recommendations for Bila-Haut R.I. 2025 by M. Chapoutier

Tasting

Appearance

A deep, intense color with purplish highlights, reflecting the excellent ripeness of the grape variety.

Nose

Expressive and complex, the nose opens with aromas of peppery spices and menthol notes, accompanied by red and black fruits such as cherry and blackberry.

Palate

The attack stands out for its fine minerality, driven by perfectly ripe syrah. The palate is structured and full-bodied, revealing a powerful yet well-integrated tannic framework, supported by balanced freshness, combining tension and smoothness.

A powerful and balanced red wine from Roussillon

The estate

Established in Tain-L’Hermitage since 1808, the M. Chapoutier estate is now among the leading references of Rhône Valley wines.

Both a winemaker and négociant, Michel Chapoutier has, over the years, elevated this family business to the highest level. The wines of Maison Chapoutier are praised by enthusiasts around the world for their finesse and exceptional quality. A multifaceted personality, Michel Chapoutier holds the world record for perfect scores (100/100) awarded by American critic Robert Parker. His daughter Mathilde has taken over, perpetuating the legacy of this iconic house while overseeing a vineyard of more than 350 hectares spread across the most renowned appellations of the Rhône Valley, as well as in Roussillon, Australia, and Portugal.

The vineyard

Bila-Haut R.I. is a wine from the Côtes du Roussillon Villages appellation, sourced from a parcel located in the commune of Lesquerde, in an area with a particularly late growing cycle. The vines, north-facing and planted on a gentle slope, grow on poor soils composed of granite, rich in iron and very stony.

The vintage

In Roussillon, the very dry spring of 2025 slowed vegetative growth while ensuring good aeration of the grape clusters. A very rainy July restarted growth and increased downy mildew pressure, which was controlled thanks to biodynamic practices. After high temperatures, a cooler September allowed for steady ripening. The wines thus display lovely freshness, balanced acidity, and supple tannins.

Vinification and aging

The harvest, carried out manually at the beginning of October, is followed by destemming before vinification in small concrete vats. Extraction is gentle, using light pump-overs or punch-downs during fermentation, with total maceration lasting 4 to 5 weeks. Aging lasts around 18 months: partly in demi-muids that have held two wines, then continuing for the final six months in concrete vats to refine the silky texture of the tannins.

Blend

This Bila-Haut R.I. 2025 by M. Chapoutier is made from 100% syrah.