2007 M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem

Community Tasting Notes (74) Avg Score: 89.7 points

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  3/6/2024 - bon vivant wrote: 93 Points

  Decanted for sediment. At first rather tight with some slightly bitter flavors that were not present in bottles at younger age. A remarkable improvement after 30 min decant. After an hr the wine opened up to reveal lovely dark blue fruit aromatics with some nice scrub underbrush accents as well as a tinge of mineral finish. With more air the wine continued improving with additional sweet fruit flavors, some of which leans towards the red berry spectrum. Scrub, spice and air dried beef secondaries also enter the experience. The overall expression became rounder yet a mineral component was clearly evident on the finish. While this wine draws on mainly classic CDR varietals, it definitely leans towards characteristics of a Northern Rhone. I do not expect it to fade away in the short term and it remains a solid QPR in my book based on the modest tariff.

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  12/8/2022 - aldejohann Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Many ups and downs over the last 15 years but now perfect to drink. The wine is mature but still with good structure. Taste of dark fruits, plumbs, very smooth.

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  12/16/2020 - cobbpa wrote:

  Still in a good spot, if notably leaner than my previous bottles. Shows age and fruit drying out slightly but mostly in balance & enjoyable, but probably time to drink within the next year or so.

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  9/30/2017 - JohnSh wrote: 89 Points

  Hazy notes after drinking this over two days. Rather simple on the first night, it did develop additional complexity on the second night, with a rich, plush texture, medium to full bodied, with a mix of black and red fruit, tar and a granite-like note. Very fruit forward, probably at peak now, and should be consumed fairly soon (B+).

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  9/28/2017 - schwollonson Likes this wine: 91 Points

  Still well drinkable, though CT reports seem to imply that the drinking window has closed two years ago. Drink up now, though. Very smooth with all tannins vanished but with still some grip. Good fruit. This has been a hidden gem in that price segment.

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