Bernard Levet, Cote-Rotie Les Journaries, 2016

Les Journaries is the more delicate, perfumed side of Bernard Levet's Cote-Rotie, built from old vines that include fruit from the legendary La Landonne. Levet leans on whole-cluster fermentation and old barrels here, which lends the wine its violet lift and resinous, savory edge rather than oak sweetness. The family has farmed the same 3.5 hectares in Ampuis close to organically since 1936, with no interest in flashy winemaking. The 2016 is the Northern Rhone's classic, balanced vintage, all freshness and proportion, which suits this cuvee's quieter, more aromatic temperament beautifully. It's a graceful wine that drinks well now with a decant and ages gracefully too.