Bila-Haut 2019 L'esquerda Cotes du Roussillon

World famous Chateaunauf-du-Pape winemaker Michel Chapoutier established Bila-Haut in 1999 when he determined he could make top notch wines in this region that rivaled his own from the Rhône. The winery, built in Latour de France, has vineyards throughout the region. All Domaine wines are farmed biodynamically and organic. L'Esquerda comes from parcels in the granitic soils near the town of Lesquerde. Composed of primarily Syrah with the rest Grenache and sometimes a splash of Carignan, this spectacular wine rivals the top wines of Cote Rotie, Cornas and Hermitage (all of which whose top examples cost way more).

93pts Jeb Dunnuck, 92pts James Suckling, 92pts Parker's Wine Advocate

The cement-aged 2019 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde l'Esquerda is a blend of 85% Syrah and 15% Grenache, from relatively high-altitude (400-500 meters above sea level), granitic sites. An intense nose with wild dark berries, dark plums, game, cloves and some undergrowth. Mineral driven with firm but precise tannins, a characteristic of the granite soil. Medium to full body with good balance. Crunchy fruit with plenty of juicy cherries and black pepper at the end.