Bernard Levet Côte-Rôtie La Péroline 2017

Experience the untamed soul of the Northern Rhône with the 2017 Vignobles Levet Côte-Rôtie "La Péroline." This cuvée is the estate’s crowning achievement, sourced from the dizzyingly steep, iron-rich schist of the legendary La Chavaroche vineyard. The Levet family is celebrated for their uncompromisingly traditional approach, using 100% whole-cluster fermentation and the ancient Petite Serine clone of Syrah to craft a wine of immense structural depth. The 2017 vintage was a success for the region, with Wine Spectator awarding the Northern Rhône an outstanding 92 points, producing wines defined by their concentration and dark fruit intensity.

The critics have met this release with significant praise. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 94 points, calling it a "gorgeous, old-school beauty" that possesses everything one could want from a great Côte-Rôtie. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also bestowed a stellar 94 points, highlighting its "intense, peppery complexity" and savory, "feral" edge. On the palate, expect an explosive profile of black raspberries, violets, smoked meats, and graphite, all framed by formidable tannins. While its intensity is captivating now, it is built for the long haul in a cool cellar. Its drinking window is ideally suited for enjoyment from 2026 through 2040. For the collector seeking an unapologetic icon of Côte-Rôtie, La Péroline remains a soulful and essential acquisition.