Cote Rotie Maestria Levet 2023 (750ML)

94-96+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "From the steep, schist soils of Landonne and Côte Rozier (which sits just above the Landonne lieu-dit), the 2023 Côte Rôtie Les Journaries (known as Maestria in Europe) includes 70% stems and is brought up all in demi-muids. Darker berries, black raspberries, blackberries, smoked meats, crushed stone, and liquid violet notes all emerge from this bigger, richer, spicier wine. It shows the pure, classic style of the vintage, with medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful tannins, and a great finish.Based in the heart of Ampuis, Bernard and his daughter Agnès Levet farm 3.5 hectares across six parcels, including Chavaroche, Landonne, Côte Rozier, and others on both the Côte Brune and Côte Blonde. The domaine produces three Côte Rôtie cuvées: Améthyste (a blend from multiple sites), Les Journaries (from Landonne and Côte Rozier), and La Chavaroche (from the Chavaroche lieu-dit). The wines are fermented in concrete with submerged cap, using varying amounts of stems. Chavaroche is 100% whole cluster. Elevage spans 2 to 3 years in a mix of foudre and demi-muids with minimal new oak, and the wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered. They recently completed construction on a new cellar, but that certainly hasn't impacted the style. These are as classic Levet as they've ever been. I always love tasting with Agnès Levet in the cellar, and it's worth noting the labels differ by market, with Les Journaries labeled Maestria in Europe and La Chavaroche sold as Pérolines." 05/25

94 Points, Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous: "The complex 2023 Côte-Rôtie Les Journaries / Maestria breathes out enticing dried violets, orange rind, ripe black cherry, fleshy tones and gently detailed pencil shavings. Midweight and well-rounded, the 2023 shows a little more ambition compared to the Améthyste from the same vintage, bringing it into its final frame with superb vivacity on the long, detailed finish. (Drink between 2028-2037)" 01/26