Purchased by Michel Chapoutier in 1999, Bila-Haut is located in an the best part of the Languedoc called the Côtes du Roussillon. Historically the site was one of the first areas planted for viticulture by the Greek Mariners and has been continuously a wine region known for making top quality wines. The House of Bila—the translation of the name of the estate—was once a house of refuge for the Knights Templar, which is why their cross is symbolically used on the label. In the hills of the Agly Valley, 40+ year old vines are carefully and meticulously managed by an experienced team of viticulturalists, where sustainable farming and low yields combine to create the highest quality fruit. Wine is made in the vineyards, by paying careful attention to the plants and working alongside nature.
Grapes for this wine are sourced from a single vineyard site on the border of France and Spain with unique soil, low yields, and old vines. It is produced in limited quantities with total dedication to terroir.
Each of the three varieties that comprise this wine, Syrah, Grenache, and Carignane are carefully vinified at low temperatures. The juice is fermented in cement vats and the must is pumped over the cap periodically to improve skin contact. After a long maceration of 3-4 weeks, the wine is racked from vat to vat which naturally clarifies the wine. The wine is aged in large oak barrels but usually less than 10% of the cuvee receives this treatment. The wine is then carefully blended and aged prior to bottling.
The Wine Advocate scored this 94-96 saying "Sporting a deep purple-almost blue-color, the sensational 2016 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde l'Esquerda has a northern Rhône-like minerality as well as notes of classic black and blue fruits, crushed flowers, ozone and licorice. Made from 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, all from granitic soils, it’s a rich, structured, full-bodied and age-worthy red that will drink nicely through 2026. The quality of this release continues to soar and there are not many values like this out there today."
Alcohol % | 15.0% |
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Vintage | 2016 |
Varietal | Red Blend |
Region | Languedoc-Roussillon |
Country | France |
Bottle Size | 1.5 L |
Type | Red |
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