Bernard Levet Cote Rotie 'Les Journaries'

'Since the 2004 vintage, we have expanded our work with the Levet family to include a second bottling of Cote Rotie known as “Les Journaries”, a cuvée drawn from grapes harvested from old vines in the “La Landonne” lieu-dit. This wine is more subtle, more elegant and “quieter” if you will than the “Chavaroche”. At the same time, it is very much a Levet wine with a bouquet of violets, wild berries, a touch of animal and resinous-like tannins that speak of the inclusion of stems (a hallmark of the Levet tradition). The “Journaries” is approachable at an earlier stage than its companion “La Chavaroche” but, that being said, it is a wine that not only ages gracefully but almost requires a touch of patience. We now import approximately 1500 bottles plus magnums of this cuvée each vintage.' - Importer Neal Rosenthal

'Aged for a year in foudre then moved to demi-muids, the 2022 Côte Rôtie Les Journaries (known by the Maestria name in Europe) comes from the Landonne and Côte Rozier lieux-dits and was not destemmed. It has a similar perfume to the Amethyste with its red, blue, and black fruits as well as rose, potpourri, and peppery notes, yet it's more seamless, full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and has a great finish. Drink 2025-2047.' - Jeb Dunnuck, 97 points

'The 2022 Cote Rotie Les Journaries (as it is known in the USA but called Mastria elsewhere) unveils a deep, complex bouquet of cassis, spices and dark wild berries intertwined with delicate notes of dark cherries and black olives. Full-bodied, broad and sappy on entry, it's textured and layered, with a seamless, pure core of fruit, powdery tannins and bright acids. It culminates in a long, ethereal and dark berry-inflected finish. Originating from vines situated in the western part of La Landonne (Côte Blonde and Côte Rozier), this exquisite wine masterfully combines a sappy, velvety texture with a racy density.' - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93-95 points