Banyuls AOC, Domaine de Bila-Haut

Red WineSweet Wine
Written By Grand Cru & Etiquette

🧐 Quick Verdict – Why the 2014 Domaine de Bila-Haut Rimage Banyuls AOC Deserves a Place in Your Cellar

Looking for a bold, naturally sweet wine with depth, soul, and story? The 2014 Domaine de Bila-Haut Rimage Banyuls AOC from M. Chapoutier delivers just that—a velvety red dessert wine with powerful aromas, rich texture, and stunning complexity.

Crafted from hand-harvested Grenache Noir and aged reductively to preserve fruit purity, this Banyuls is an elegant interpretation of one of France’s most unique vin doux naturels. Perfect with dark chocolate, blue cheese, or sipped on its own, it’s a must-have for those who appreciate wines with both structure and indulgence.

What Is the Banyuls AOC?

The Banyuls AOC is a historic appellation in Roussillon, southern France, renowned for its fortified sweet red wines made predominantly from Grenache.

Situated on steep, sun-soaked terraces above the Mediterranean Sea, the vineyards benefit from schist soils and intense sunlight, producing deeply concentrated grapes. What makes Banyuls unique is its mutage process—adding grape spirit to halt fermentation and preserve natural sugars—resulting in wines that are:

  • Naturally sweet

  • Rich and aromatic

  • Balanced by vibrant acidity

  • Perfect for aging or immediate enjoyment

🍇 About Domaine de Bila-Haut and M. Chapoutier

Domaine de Bila-Haut is the Roussillon outpost of Michel Chapoutier, one of France’s most celebrated winemakers. Known for biodynamic practices and terroir-driven wines, Chapoutier brings his Rhône Valley precision to the wild, mineral-rich hills near Latour-de-France.

The Rimage style of Banyuls (from the Catalan for “vintage”) is aged in a reductive environment—typically stainless steel—to emphasize freshness, fruit clarity, and purity. The 2014 vintage captures that philosophy perfectly: intense, youthful, and remarkably expressive.

Tasting Notes

  • Appearance: Deep ruby with mahogany glints—intense and inviting.

  • Nose: A lush bouquet of ripe black cherries, blackberry compote, cocoa powder, dried figs, vanilla, and sweet spice. Decadent, yet refined.

  • Palate: Rich and velvety, with well-integrated tannins and a smooth, lingering finish. Flavors of chocolate-covered fruit, roasted coffee beans, and black plum unfold with freshness and finesse.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Temperature

Pair It With:

  • Decadent chocolate desserts (fondant, mousse, or flourless cake)

  • Blue cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton

  • Cherry tart, fig cake, or dried fruit-based pastries

  • Or enjoy as a digestif—a contemplative sip after dinner

Serving Tip: Serve slightly chilled between 12–14°C (54–57°F). Let it breathe for 10–15 minutes before serving to unlock its full aromatic range.

  • At 12°C: The wine shows its bright fruit and freshness

  • At 14°C: Aromatic depth intensifies with notes of spice, fig, and dark chocolate

❤️ Why We Love It (And Why You Might Too)

This wine is a conversation piece—a wine that surprises and impresses.

  • Authentic terroir: You can taste the Mediterranean sun, schist soils, and Chapoutier’s signature precision in every sip.

  • Uncommon style: A sweet red that remains elegant, never heavy or syrupy.

  • Gastronomic potential: Few wines pair so perfectly with both savory and sweet.

  • Modern-meets-traditional: The Rimage style celebrates Banyuls’ roots while bringing out the fruit-forward, age-worthy beauty of Grenache.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. The 2014 Domaine de Bila-Haut Rimage Banyuls AOC is a bold yet refined choice for sweet wine lovers and red wine enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re pairing it with food, pouring a special glass post-dinner, or gifting something truly unique, this bottle will impress.

Recommended for:

  • Fans of sweet wines with depth and complexity

  • Red wine lovers curious about fortified styles

  • Chocolate lovers seeking the ultimate pairing

  • Anyone building a cellar with wines of character and story

 

you may also like

Reviews
Maury AOC, Mas Amiel
Red Wine, Sweet Wine
Maury AOC, Mas Amiel
Red Wine, Sweet Wine
Red Wine, Sweet Wine
bottle of sweet red wine banyuls Domaine Bila-Haut

Domaine de Bila-Haut, M. Chapoutier, Rimage, Banyuls AOC Details:

  • Type of Wine: Red Wine

  • Style: Sweet Wine - Vin Doux Naturel (VDN)

  • Vintage: 2014

  • Alcohol Content: 16.5% Vol

  • Retail Price in France: €15.00

  • Region: Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region

Grand Cru & Etiquette
Previous

Sauternes AOC, Château Laville
Next

Chablis AOC, Domaine des Malandes