Bernard Levet ‘La Chavaroche’ Côte-Rôtie, 2019

The 2019 Bernard Levet “La Chavaroche” Côte-Rôtie is a strikingly traditional expression of Northern Rhône Syrah, combining power with remarkable aromatic complexity. The nose opens with layers of cracked black pepper, violet, smoked bacon, iron filings, and crushed stone, followed by dark raspberry, blackberry, and plum fruit. On the palate, the wine is dense yet energetic, delivering savory notes of cured meat, olive tapenade, exotic spice, and mineral tension beneath a core of ripe black and blue fruits. Whole-cluster fermentation lends a distinctive sauvage character and firm structure, while the long, persistent finish echoes with pepper, floral lift, and stony minerality. Though approachable with decanting, this is a wine built for long-term evolution. Best paired with robust, savory dishes such as grilled lamb chops with rosemary, smoked beef short ribs, venison loin, or charcoal-grilled ribeye. Its combination of peppery spice, meaty complexity, and vibrant acidity also makes it an exceptional match for slow-smoked barbecue, wild mushroom dishes, and aged sheep’s milk cheeses.