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94-95 WA.
"A very limited production blend of 65% Grenache (from ancient vines, on chalk-clay) and 35% Syrah (on schist) raised in barrel, then transferred to tank (from which it was tasted), the 2007 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France v.i.t (standing for “"visitare interiore terrae") displays aromas of fresh blackberry and cassis, violets, buddleia, and hyacinth. Low-toned coffee and wet stone notes nicely complement the ripe yet bright black fruits on the palate, which is marvelously threaded with a savory, saline, subtly sweet suggestion of lobster shell reduction. The refinement of tannin exhibited by so many of the Chapoutier Roussillon cuvees reaches an almost silken apogee here. Trouillier thinks that getting the Grenache components, especially, out of barrel soon enough and giving them a longer stay in tank is a key both to introducing “rectitude” in the finished wines, and to taming their tannins. With its remarkable combination of richness, levity, and minerality, this epitomizes the best aspects of its vintage and of Bila-Haut’s viticulture and vinification." Wine Advocate #183, Jun 2009 |