M. Chapoutier : Bila-Haut R.I. 2019

Even better, the 2019 Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde Rectificando Invenies (RI) is all Syrah sourced from decomposed granite soils. It was also destemmed and aged all in demi-muids. Beautifully done, it reveals medium- to full-bodied aromas and flavors of blue fruits, crushed violets, crushed stone, and ground pepper. With a Hermitage-like character in its tannins, it’s beautifully balanced, with good acidity and a great finish. It offers plenty of pleasure today yet will benefit from a year or three of bottle age and drink well for over a decade.

This well-structured red blend has benefited from time in bottle. The wine has a perfumed nose of blackberry, chocolate shavings, dried red cherry and red currant. Concentrated red fruit asserts itself on the palate followed by mulberry, dried black plum and rosehip.

A complex nose with blackberries, dark cherries, dark plums, dried herbs, grilled meat, leather and roasted black pepper. Full body with fine tannins and a restrained character. It’s peppery and vibrant, round and creamy textured, bringing another dimension to the wine. Some stony character with minerality at the center creates freshness and balance. Flavorful, long finish with peppery notes. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.