Benjamin Leroux Bourgogne Rouge 2020 750ml

The roll call this year includes Bourgogne-level fruit from Leroux’s key sources: the excellent Maison Dieu in Pommard, Mon Poulain in Volnay and Belles Côtes in Meursault. In 2020 these sites are complemented by 20% villages wines from St-Romain and Monthelie. There were also three barrels of Bourgogne from Vosne Romanée, but in terms of style, it’s a Cotes de Beaune Bourgogne through and through. Leroux has always made it clear that it is his aim to exceed expectations with his Bourgogne-level wines. Everything about this release—the fruit intensity, purity, structure and length—screams excellent villages quality. The grapes were entirely de-stemmed, and maturation took place in 2,200 litre, Grenier oak casks, supported by a few 228-litre Burgundian barriques. There was next to no new oak used.

A marvellous result, with a lovely plummy fruit, a hint of mineral and a bit of spice. The texture is totally Burgundian - light, ephemeral, but hauntingly long on the palate. Produced from a variety of parcels that total 3ha. The fruit is carefully fermented and aged in large oak uprights without racking.