Bernard Levet "Les Journaries" Côte-Rôtie

The Levets own a third of a hectare of 40-year-old vines in the fabled vineyard La Landonne, and this cuvée is built around that holding, augmented by small parcels of old vines in other crus. No de-stemming is done here, which allows for that intoxicating spice signature to reach even greater heights.

Compared to the ferocious “La Chavaroche” below, “Les Journaries” shows greater refinement and elegance, though in no sense is it tame. The 2018 is intensely spicy on the nose, combining curry and potpourri, and the palate is relatively suave for young Levet, with pert acidity keeping things vibrant.