Chapoutier is one of the oldest wine producers in the Rhone Valley with a history dating back to 1808. A distant ancestor, Polydor Chapoutier, was the first to buy vines here, shifting from being a simple grape grower to making and trading his own wine. For the last two hundred years, the estate has been producing some of the greatest wines in the Rhone Valley. Today, the range also includes wines from some Roussillon appellations as well as projects in Portugal and Australia.

The Roussillon history is complex and compelling, and has at times been quite violent. Terraces are on stony soil, with a rich geological background and a climate that man has adopted for his crops. Michel Chapoutier decided to locate his domain at Latour de France for its black and brown schist soil to give the wine a solar touch, Gneiss for minerality and freshness, and a combination of limestone and chalk for strength and balance.

Three varieties of grapes grow on the land covered by Domaine de Bila-Haut: Syrah, with its savage aromas of scrub and spice, Grenache, so full of surprises, and Carignan, for mineral wines with crispy tannic notes. The “Vignes de Bila-Haut” and the “Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem” are the main expressions of this terroir. However, Michel Chapoutier wanted to obtain more via this site, to seize the quintessence.

Step into the world of Bila Haut (Chapoutier) and experience the enchantment of their exquisite 2018 Cotes Roussillon Lesquerda. This red wine, crafted in the Languedoc Roussillon region of France, is a true testament to the artistry and passion of its producer.

The 2018 Bila Haut Cotes Roussillon Lesquerda is a proprietary blend that captures the essence of the region's terroir. With a deep, ruby-red color that shimmers in the glass, it immediately entices the senses. The aromas wafting from the glass are a captivating blend of cassis and black raspberry, with underlying notes of wet stone, ground pepper, white flowers, and subtle hints of truffle. Each inhalation reveals new layers of complexity, drawing you further into its allure.

On the palate, this wine showcases its true elegance and finesse. It is medium to full-bodied, with a beautifully pure and harmonious character. Silky smooth tannins gently caress the palate, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. The flavors of cassis and black raspberry persist, accompanied by a delightful minerality that can only be attributed to the higher elevation granite soils in which the grapes are grown. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression.

Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine an impressive 94 points, praising its stunning granite character and elegant palate. He predicts that it will continue to evolve and improve over the next decade. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also recognized its excellence, awarding it 93 points. They describe it as potentially outstanding, with bold and muscular fruit flavors balanced by a sense of austerity.

The 2018 Bila Haut Cotes Roussillon Lesquerda is a wine that demands attention. Its beauty and complexity are a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of Bila Haut (Chapoutier). With its ability to age gracefully and its undeniable charm, this wine is a true gem that will elevate any occasion.