2017 Benjamin Leroux Volnay 1er Cru Les Mitans

WINEMAKER: Benjamin Leroux
REGION: Burgundy, FR
VARIETAL: Pinot Noir
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

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.

Benjamin Leroux is widely considered to be one of the most gifted and knowledgeable wine growers in all the Côte d’Or. Born and bred in Beaune, Leroux has always been considered a prodigy, studying at the Lycée Viticole in Beaune from age 15 and taking the reins at the esteemed Domaine Comte Armand when he was just 24. Leroux would stay at Comte Armand for fifteen vintages, while simultaneously launching his eponymous négociant operation in 2007.

Leroux’s knowledge of the Côte is encyclopaedic, and he has unearthed some very exciting, previously less well-known terroirs for his portfolio. It’s important not to underestimate how close Leroux works with these growers, as that is one of the keys to his ability to coax the finest fruit quality from the vineyards. He never buys juice or finished wine, only fruit; he nominates the harvest dates and will pick himself if necessary.