2013 M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut

Chapoutier’s Bila Haut Roussillon operations have produced a great buy from the outstanding 2013 vintage. Made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan it has a totally opaque black red colour with a purple red hue. The nose offers up ripe black cherry top notes followed by some black raspberry, a whiff of liquorice, subtle earth and spice. Medium weight the palate has a ripe joosy flavour profile of black cherries alongside some liquorice and black raspberry with trailing meaty like characters and spice. Dry finish with a slightly chewy mouthfeel and solid but fine grained tannins. Medium to long aftertaste of black cherries, liquorice, earth, dried meats and spice.
Cellar 3-4 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews….
In bottle, the 2013 Vignes de Bila Haut checks in as a blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Carignan, from a combination of schist and limestone soils, that spent 12 months in a combination of concrete and stainless-steel tanks. It has great aromatics of dark berry fruits, bouquet garni, pepper and lots of minerality, medium+-bodied richness and depth, and a soft, seamless and even elegant fell on the palate. It’s ready to go now, and will drink nicely for 4-5 years.
91 points
Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate