Vignobles Levet Cote-Rotie 'Les Journaries' 2021
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 Côte Rozier and Côte Blonde. No de-stemming is done here, which allows for that intoxicating spice signature to reach even greater heights. Compared to the ferocious La Chavaroche, Les Journaries shows greater refinement and elegance, though in no sense is it tame. The 2021 possesses a sense of tranquility and equilibrium, with gorgeously articulated spices and density without weight.