En Primeur | Benjamin Leroux
Ben Leroux created his own label in 2013, comprising an 8 hectare domaine and around 20 hectares of purchased grapes from some of the most exciting appellations in the Cote d’Or. His pedigree is of the highest order; following internships at some of the greatest estates around the world, he was responsible for the famous Pommard estate, Comte Armand, for 15 years, overseeing a roll call of exceptional vintages. For the negoce wines his policy is to buy grapes rather than juice or wine and insists on having a hand in the vineyards, so that the fruit meets his exacting standards. He sits at the very top of the group of young stellar winemakers changing the face of négociant wines in Burgundy.
2021 Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Les Hauts Jarrons Benjamin Leroux
£240.00 In Bond £307.24 Inc VAT-
Jasper Morris MW, December 2022, Score: 89-91
Just finished its malolactic, last week. Despite that, there is a lovely perfume to this 2021 Haut Jarrons, pure and clean. Pure raspberry on the palate, then the coolness, and a touch of fresh oak to finish. Still finding its way, but with promise Drink from 2025-2030.
2021 Pommard Benjamin Leroux
£300.00 In Bond £379.24 Inc VAT2021 Vougeot Clos du Village Benjamin Leroux
£309.00 In Bond £390.04 Inc VAT-
Goedhuis, December 2022
This is such a lovely lieu-dit on the border of Chambolle Musigny. There are just 3 hectares of village wine in Vougeot, of which Clos du Village is one, sitting next door to Clos de Vougeot and below Chambolle Les Amoureuses! In 2021, Ben actually has more wine as he took the complete vineyard this year! Damson and sloes, this gives the perfect mix between generous plush fruit and a direct sweet intensity. There is a feeling of restrained power and, this is so much more than a simple village wine. Lovely.
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Neal Martin, January 2023, Score: 89-91
The 2021 Vougeot Clos de Village, which is mostly de-stemmed, has a slightly subdued bouquet compared to some of the other cuvées. The palate is medium-bodied with red cherry and strawberry fruit and fine tannins. It's more vivacious on the finish compared to the nose, which I suspect will open with time. Give it a couple of years in bottle.
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Matthew Jukes, January 2023, Score: 17.5
Seamless, accurate, and beautifully resonant, this is a relatively straightforward wine, but it is generous and silky, and while it will drink young, it will hold well, too. It is £65, so it is a relative bargain in the greater scheme of things!
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Jasper Morris MW, December 2022, Score: 88-90
No whole bunches were used in this cuvée. A pretty and palish crimson red. Discreet on nose and palate, not one of the livelier examples, and while there is a fine sensual finish, I did not quite find the usual éclat associated over the years with the Clos du Village.
2021 Chambolle Musigny Benjamin Leroux
£456.00 In Bond £566.44 Inc VAT-
Goedhuis, December 2022
The source of the fruit for this cuvée is a little different in 2021. Usually, the base of the wine comes from one of the village’s highest vineyards, Les Veroilles, which experienced serious frost, so this year the core of the fruit comes from the lower vineyards of Les Athets which were less affected. Deep cherry colour, aromas of boysenberry and freshly picked raspberry. Wonderfully refined and pure, with a great clarity of red fruit flavours.
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Neal Martin, January 2023, Score: 89-91
The 2021 Chambolle-Musigny Village comes from the top and bottom of the slope. It has a bright nose with raspberry and cranberry fruit, fine definition and good vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with judicious use of whole bunches. It has a gentle grip with quite a peppery finish. This is promising.
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Jasper Morris MW, December 2022, Score: 88-90
From up and down slope, Véroilles and Les Athets, more the latter this year. Medium colour, rich strawberry notes, though not much whole bunch, jammier fruit on the palate, with an agreeable finish of medium length. Drink from 2025-2030.
2021 Vosne Romanée Benjamin Leroux
£456.00 In Bond £566.44 Inc VAT-
Goedhuis, December 2022
Sourced from five different locations in the village, this has a delicious array of vibrant fresh crunchy red fruits, cranberry and pomegranate, crystalline and pure. The tannins are fine and tender, and there is a lasting sensation of sweet Pinot flavours at the end.
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Jasper Morris MW, December 2022, Score: 88-91
16 barrels (one more than in 2020). A fine attractive pale ruby colour. About half whole bunch. More depth of fruit than the village Vougeot, with fresh strawberry notes, not especially concentrated to finish, but fine and will be accessible relatively soon. Drink from 2025-2031.
