Occultum Lapidem Blanc, Domaine de Bila Haut, Côtes du Roussillon, 2017, M Chapoutier
70% Grenache blanc, 30% Vermentino aged for 9 months, 70% in stainless steel vats and 30% in "demi-muids" (mainly new) with "batônnage" (stirring of the lees).
A lovely golden hue to this wine with stone fruit aromas (apricot, peach), a delicately roasted floral touch, minerality and complexity on the nose. The palate is ovely and fresh on entry, full of minerality and complexity. Well-balanced wine thanks to the freshness and the fat of the white Grenache. Notes of white flesh fruits with hints of vanilla.
Great with chicken tagines.
"A blend of Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris, the 2017 Côtes du Roussillon Occultum Lapidem Blanc was fermented and aged in demi-muids and stainless steel. It's round and approachable, with attractive scents of honey, custard, pear, lime and melon all coming together in a medium to full-bodied white for drinking in the first few years after release." robertparker.com 91-93/100