Benjamin Leroux Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Cave des Ducs 2019

One of the signature cuvées of the Leroux stable, Clos de la Cave des Ducs is a 0.64-hectare monopole vineyard owned by the family of Leroux’s right-hand man, Jean-Charles Carré. It’s a wine that was rarely seen before Leroux started bottling this site in 2007. This is the highest 1er Cru of Volnay, and sits on fine, light soils, with this parcel managed biodynamically and with meticulous care. The vines are up to 80 years old (with an average age of 50 years) and include some 20-year-old massale selection vines sourced from Comte Armand’s Clos des Epeneaux. Carré and Leroux use this site as a test bed of their most progressive viticulture—here they are currently trialling a higher canopy, for example.

Leroux has noted that recent harvests have seen the Clos move towards a finer, more floral expression. This year he retained around 30% whole bunches. While we have not yet tasted this release, Leroux has commented that 2019 has gifted a wonderful version of this wine that is already drinking well, but should be hitting its straps in five to ten years.

Attractive mid red purple, a nose of discretion as always, then it builds really well afterwards, with a very graceful long finish. Some darker fruit, but nothing hot here. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy, 90-93 points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - France
Region - Burgundy
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%