$15 Goodness from Chapoutier's Bila-Haut

Earlier this year I tasted through a range of wines from the Chapoutier’s Bila-Haut label and found a lot to like for the price. I recently tasted the new 2014 vintage releases, and I think they're great value for $15. The rosé and white blend provide significant complexity, but these wines are all about refreshment and warm weather pleasure. And they offer up a lot of easy food pairing options for summer fare like salads and fried seafood. These wines are widely available at retailers around the country as well. What's not to like?

2014 M. Chapoutier Vin de Pays d'Oc Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rosé - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Vin de Pays d'Oc
SRP: $15
Deep copper color. Very lively on the nose with papaya, white cherries, some salty notes and white pepper. Tangy and vibrant on the palate, bright acid, the juicy white peach and papaya mixes with ruby red grapefruit and some spicy pepper. Lots of fun, versatile, delicious yet showing some complexity. Grenache and Cinsault. (86 points)

 2014 M. Chapoutier Côtes du Roussillon Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Blanc - France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon
SRP: $15
Pale lemon color. Nose: combo of bright tropical fruit (papaya, pineapple, drizzled with some lime) some interesting sea shell, nettle and cut flowers too. Crisp acid, the wine is clean and bright but maintains a waxy, honeycomb feel. Chalky, sea salt notes white flowers and clover mix well with the pineapple, green apple and limes. Salty and airy on the finish despite the bright fruit. Some hay and hop flavors, too. Lots going on, a great Roussilon blanc for the price, this is solid. Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Rolle and Macabeo. (88 points)