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Without a doubt, Michel Chapoutier is one of the most recognized and highly regarded winemakers in France. Outstanding for the price, this rich and robust red comes from his bio-dynamically farmed vineyards in the Cotes du Roussillon of Languedoc, which borders the Rhone Valley. The cool winters, hot summers, low rainfall, and the local 'Mistral' (which is a drying breeze), combine to make a perfect climate for this blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. Deep, rich and a little rustic, with black cherry, dark plum, mocha and licorice notes this wine will pair beautifully with Thanksgiving Dinner!

The Chapoutier's roots in the Rhone date back to 1808, when the family first settled in Tain l'Hermitage and acquired a number of excellent vineyards, including some of the oldest in France. When Michel took over the family estate in 1990 at the age of 26, the praise from critics like Robert Parker quickly followed, "Michel Chapoutier has amassed a record of unprecedented achievement...he is one of the most influential wine personalities of the last 20 years." The previous vintage of the Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon Village was listed on the Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2009.

Rating

"The 2009 Cotes du Roussillon-Villages Les Vignes de Bila-Haut represents a tank-raised blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah from gneiss and schist sites in various parts of the Agly Valley - to that extent like its earlier counterparts - but with the addition of fruit grown on granite in Lesquerde, thus preserving this cuvee's role as a collaboration across the estate's range of sites. Blueberry in fresh and distilled form; fennel and licorice; almond and cherry pit; crushed stone and peat entertain nose and palate, with glyceral richness helping to ameliorate the considerable grain of tannin, and leading to a finish of satisfying length, if not the energy and impeccable balance that characterized the 2007 rendition. This excellent value should drink well for at least the next 2-3 years." The Wine Advocate, 89 Points

Technical notes

Alcohol: 14.5%