The Story
Bernard Levet is one of Côte-Rôtie's last true traditionalists, a tiny Ampuis family domaine (now led by daughter Agnès) carried unbroken by importer Neal Rosenthal since 1983. La Chavaroche comes from a 1.2-hectare, southwest-facing parcel of roughly 40-year-old vines on the schist-and-granite Côte Brune, made with mostly whole clusters, long three-week macerations, and three years in large old oak. The cooler 2014 vintage yielded classic, aromatic Côte-Rôtie with moderate alcohol that beautifully showcases the appellation's floral and peppery side. A poised, traditional Chavaroche that's approachable now but will reward patience.
Description
Bernard Levet is one of Côte-Rôtie's last true traditionalists, a tiny Ampuis family domaine (now led by daughter Agnès) carried unbroken by importer Neal Rosenthal since 1983. La Chavaroche comes from a 1.2-hectare, southwest-facing parcel of roughly 40-year-old vines on the schist-and-granite Côte Brune, made with mostly whole clusters, long three-week macerations, and three years in large old oak. The cooler 2014 vintage yielded classic, aromatic Côte-Rôtie with moderate alcohol that beautifully showcases the appellation's floral and peppery side. A poised, traditional Chavaroche that's approachable now but will reward patience.
