M. Chapoutier Domaine de Bila Haut Cotes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde R.I. 2018 750ml

97 points Jeb Dunnuck

While I'm a huge Grenache fan, I always seem to prefer the 100% Syrah R.I. cuvée from this estate, although it's always close. The 2018 Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde Rectificando Invenies (RI) reveals a deep purple hue as well as awesome notes of blackberries, blueberries, violets, blood orange, ground pepper, and lavender. These carry to a rich, medium to full-bodied wine with wonderful purity of fruit, silky tannins, no hard edges, and that rare mix of richness and elegance that's the hallmark of great wines. Give this is a decant if drinking any time soon, and it will evolve for 10-15 years.