2017 Benjamin Leroux Vosne-Romanée

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

The two core parcels here, Maizières Basses and Les Violettes, are both organically farmed plots with 60-year-old Pinot Fin vines. Both also lie on the Flagey side of the village, close to Clos Vougeot. The fruit from both of these vineyards was fermented entirely as whole bunches, while the harvest from a third parcel, Aux Raviolles, was entirely destemmed. Aux Raviolles lies at the opposite end of Vosne, under the northern 1er Crus of Nuits-Saint-Georges. From 2019 Leroux will be working with three hectares in Vosne and his understanding of the village is really starting to shine through. This is just a beautiful wine: fine, pure and juicy with a silky, seductive mouthfeel and good structure on the finish.

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.