2018 M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem

Community Tasting Notes (15) Avg Score: 87.6 points

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  2/11/2024 - Metalhorns Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Stewed plum, dark fruit and bramble meets tar, stone, forest floor, smoke and herbs. A medium ruby pour with moderate tannins and acidity set up an elegant and creamy dance with the senses. The terroir heavy notes host an esoteric and gothic vibe that's really captivating, like some sort of secret knowledge is trapped in your glass, just waiting to be discovered on the next sip. Pair it with a good black metal album and some ambient candlelight for an unforgettable evening with this mysterious drink. "Occultum Lapidem" indeed.

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  11/5/2023 - AlphaMikeFoxtrot Likes this wine: 89 Points

  Bay leaf, allspice, cinnamon, smoke, dust, ripe black cherries and ripe raspberries on the nose. Intensity of aromas is medium +; and the spice aromas are dominant. There are some oak aromas; but they're pretty well integrated with everything else. On the palate, it's totally different. A burst of ripe red cherries and ripe raspberries followed by the cinnamon and finishing with the same fruits and a touch of dried green herbs. Intensity of flavors is high. Overall tad tight on the palate, though. It's over a little quicker than I wanted it to me, and I hope bottle age helps with that.
  
  Medium + body with medium + tannins. Developing. You should definitely hold this. I think the palate will unveil more of itself with a few more years in the bottle, and I also think some tertiary notes would compliment everything that's already here. Check back in 1-3 years is my recommendation. As it stands, a good pairing with braised beef.

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  10/6/2023 - KayB Likes this wine: 91 Points

  Paid $18 for this. Blackberry and licorice and pepper and oaky and earthy. It’s really great and was great on day 2 as well

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  3/31/2023 - jsdwino Likes this wine: 75 Points

  Deep ruby color in the glass
  
  We decanted and let it open for 30 mins before drinking
  
  Pronounced must on the nose
  
  Subtle fruit leaning toward ripe cherries. Long smooth finish with light tannins, but enough body to stand up to rich dishes (we had with duck cassoulet)

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  3/18/2023 - Thefatbastard Likes this wine:

  De belles arômes de fruits noirs, de réglisse, de guarrique. Suave, beaux fruits (prunes, cassis), tannins enrobés. Finale chaude toutefois.

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