Domaine de Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem Rouge Cotes du Roussillon AOP 2018 (1x75cl)

A red from Cotes du Roussillon Villages in the far south of France, 2018. Reds from this corner are usually built on Syrah, Grenache and Carignan grown on rocky ground, and they tend to come out darker and more herbal than a Bordeaux — sun in the glass, basically.

Good with grilled lamb, chargrilled vegetables, char siu, anything with a bit of smoke on it. An easy bottle to bring when you want something people haven't already tried.

Tasting notes

Southern French blends like this typically show blackberry, black olive, dried thyme and a peppery, stony finish, with firm but ripe tannins. Serve around 16-17C after a short decant.