M. Chapoutier 2010 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut - 87pts

M. Chapoutier 2010 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut (Côtes-du-Roussillon Villages) Languedoc-Roussillon - France

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: June 23rd, 2012

Tasting Notes: Not the effortlessly balanced wine of its 2009 predecessor due to a higher level of rustic twang that, when left to its own devices, is more challenging to drink than charming to experience. Yet, the wine remains ever an easy-drinking, feminine, fruit-forward, soft-tannin blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan that boasts of the hot, Mediterranean coastal region terroir from where it originated. Enjoy this wine in its youth on its own or with a beef stew brimming with fresh sage. Drink 2012-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

M. Chapoutier 2009 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut - 89pts

M. Chapoutier 2009 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut (Côtes-du-Roussillon Villages) Languedoc-Roussillon - France

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: October 27th, 2011

Tasting Notes: An easy-drinking, soft-tannin blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan that scores well for its harmony, approachable fruit-forward appeal and long, balanced finish of wild berry and rustic earth notes. A feminine wine that boasts of the hot Mediterranean coastal region terroir from where it originated. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

M. Chapoutier 2004 Les Granits - 91-92pts

M. Chapoutier 2004 Les Granits (Saint Joseph) Rhone Valley - France

Availability: Private wine shops.

Cost: $60-70

Alcohol: 13.5%

Date Tasted: May 17th, 2010

Tasting Notes: This100% Syrah wine from top Rhone Valley producer M. Chapoutier is born of very poor and very stony granitic soils, as the name suggests, and delivers the stimulating soupéon of Northern Rhone. Full-bodied and concentrated on the nose and palate offering aromas and flavours of smoke, pepper, bitter chocolate, violets, beef jerky, toasted oak, granite and dark fruits.

Aged in 100% new or very recent French oak for 12-14 months giving the wine strong, but well structured tannins. At 6 years of age already, the wine has a beautiful garnet hue to the rim and core. This is a top quality Syrah from the Saint Joseph appellation that will make a nice addition to anyone's cellar. Drink now through 2018.
 - Liam Carrier