Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2012

Thanks for liking this wine! Let your friends on Twitter and Facebook know about it by clicking on the buttons here.

If you've already connected your Twitter account, then you don't need to click on the Twitter button to share your review as it'll be done for you.

Optional: Before you share your wine find with friends, you can pick a score or make a quick tasting note, or both if you like:

My Score:

My Tasting Notes:

Expand Box

Community Reviews

There are 5 user submitted reviews for this wine.

Ghislain Lalonde rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

DL88, FBS, 7g/L

David Lawrason

This property is owned by biodynamiste Michel Chapoutier. It has a fairly lifted, very ripe slightly raisiny and meaty nose with some H2S (hydrogen sulfide). Quite peppery as well. It's full bodied, fairly dense and fleshy, but has real energy, and I was less bothered by the H2S on the palate. The length is very good to excellent. It's a red for winter stews. Still some fine tannin here, so you might want to age it another year. Tasted November 2014

Heather Wall rated this wine as 94/100 with the following review:

Outstanding! In the 1990's Chapoutier purchased land in the very dry Roussillon. 25% of this Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan blend was aged in 2nd and 3rd use French oak barrels. A brilliant combination of juicy and robust. Deep ruby and brooding colour in the glass...and hint of things to come. Dark red berries, plum, blueberry, fig, leather, black pepper, herbs de Provence, garrigue. Supple tannins make a long velvety finish. The Braille label is unique and fitting for this must-have wine. Drink now with potential to age 7+(?) years.
Tasted: November 2014

Jane Staples rated this wine as 94/100 with the following review:

A dark garnet red wine made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, with tantalizing aromas of dark fruit and hints of leather, graphite and pepper. A rich, complex but not overwhelming palate with dense ripe raspberry and blueberry flavours, spice and leather. Delicate tannins and the signature Chapoutier gorgeous silky mouthfeel, followed by a very long, plush, rich finish.

Matt Steeves rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

Occultum Lapidem is Latin for 'hidden stone', and this M. Chapoutier gem is perhaps one of the best hidden-gems from the vast Roussillon region. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan, deep ruby red colour, the nose shows fresh raspberry, blueberry, pie crust, sage, and peppery spice. Rich, luscious, and complex, it's loaded with layers of fresh berry fruit, herbs, and sharp minerality. An absolute must, this is a wine you buy by the case and enjoy over the next decade. Tasted November 2014. 93 points. Matt Steeves - @QuercusVino

Mike Craymer rated this wine as 95/100

Natalie's Review

Domaine De Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem M. Chapoutier 2012, Côtes De Roussillon-Villages, Midi A.C., France: Complex, mysterious and spectacular! Full-bodied, juicy, layered and smooth. Endless finish. I love the Braille label, plus the name includes a nice dose of Latin: perfect teacher's pet gift for end of the year (or perhaps now to lock in those 90s). Aromas of baked black fruit yet dry. So very delicious. Wish I knew the Latin phrase for that ... ultimum delici vinum! Taut, robust and ready to rock when you are! This full-on, take-me-on red wine has it all. Black fruit, smoke, mocha and dark spice on the finish, which is loooooooong. Drink: 2014-2020. 643239 14% XD 750 mL $25.45 Score: 95/100. December 6, 2014 Top Rated Red Wine. Gorgeous Gift Wine Full Review

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

SAVE MY SEAT!

Wine of the Week

As featured on

Poggio al Tesoro Red Wine
2021,
Bolgheri, Tuscany D.O.C. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 333,835 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources. learn more

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,835 strong: