Benjamin Leroux Volnay 1er Cru Les Mitans 2017

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. 

There was a change of source in this vineyard for the 2012 vintage in favour of a more diligent and organic grower. The parcel in play lies close to the Volnay 1er Cru Clos de la Barre and the vines are now 50 years old on average. Les Mitans is considered one of the most elegant expressions of Volnay, even though Leroux delivers a wine of real depth and intensity. The vineyard is mid-slope and exposed due east with a light, stony topsoil. A light touch of whole bunches (10%) adds a sappy note to the wine’s captivating floral and cherried core. Focused, fleshy fruit balanced by intense, ferrous minerality and plenty of ripe tannins. A superb Les Mitans that will only get better with time.

Dense dark red, with a fine sense of concentration. The middle fills out beautifully, this was green-thinned and has the extra note of concentrated deep red fruit, and a tannin or two in support – but the fruit wins. Still needs a little more time in barrel. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy  

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - France
Region - Burgundy
Vintage - 2017
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
Closure - Cork