Lesquerde R I, Cotes Du Roussillon Villages 2014

Made from 100% Syrah, the 2014 Cotes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde Rectificando Invenies (Ri) comes from yields of less than one ton per acre and was raised all in demi-muids. Hitting 13.9% natural alcohol, this inky colored beauty gives up lots of dark fruits, graphite, scrub brush and dried violet characteristics to go with a full-bodied, elegant, yet textured and even sexy style on the palate. There’s plenty of fine tannin hiding in here, but it’s enjoyable already and should hit the ground running. It will have 10-15 years of overall longevity. I continue to be blown away by the quality coming from Domaine de la Bila Haut, which is run with the Chapoutier team. They’ve continued to grow these Roussillon releases, and even at the entry-level price point, the quality is stunning. The straight Les Vignes de Bila Haut, at $14, is a no-brainer purchase, and it’s made in enough quantity that readers should have no problem finding a bottle or more. The quality of the l’Esquerda continues to improve and I think the 2015 will be the best vintage of this cuvee to date. The top single parcel bottles of RI and VIT are made in tiny quantities, but these are up with the finest wines coming from the south of France. In short, these are fabulous wines that show classic characters (most are aged all in concrete) and represent incredible values. Don’t miss them.

Score: 94 - 96

Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2016-2031 01 April 2016