Benjamin Leroux Bourgogne Rouge 2020 1.5L

Benjamin Leroux was born in Beaune, not to a vigneron family, but decided in his teens that he wanted to make wine and at the age of 13 attended the  Lycée Viticole in Baune. After his oenology studies, he worked at Cos d'Estournel in Bordeaux, Domaine Drouhin in Oregon, Louis Jadot in Beaune before making a name for himself as the régisseur (general manager) of Domaine du Comte Armand in Pommard. Benjamin Leroux established a small negociant business in 2007. For fifteen years, this has been one of the most dynamic cellars on the Côte in terms of winemaking. Leroux works with some 50 appellations and every wine has its own bespoke treatment according to the conditions of each vintage. 

The roll call this year includes Bourgogne-level fruit from Leroux’s key sources: the excellent Maison Dieu in Pommard, Mon Poulain in Volnay and Belles Côtes in Meursault. In 2020 these sites are complemented by 20% villages wines from St-Romain and Monthelie. There were also three barrels of Bourgogne from Vosne Romanée, but in terms of style, it’s a Cotes de Beaune Bourgogne through and through. Leroux has always made it clear that it is his aim to exceed expectations with his Bourgogne-level wines. Everything about this release—the fruit intensity, purity, structure and length—screams excellent villages quality. The grapes were entirely de-stemmed, and maturation took place in 2,200 litre, Grenier oak casks, supported by a few 228-litre Burgundian barriques. There was next to no new oak used.

A marvellous result, with a lovely plummy fruit, a hint of mineral and a bit of spice. The texture is totally Burgundian - light, ephemeral, but hauntingly long on the palate. Produced from a variety of parcels that total 3ha. The fruit is carefully fermented and aged in large oak uprights without racking. - Charles Curtis MW, Decanter

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - France
Region - Burgundy
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 1.5L Magnum
ABV - 13.5%