Benjamin Leroux Bourgogne Blanc 2020

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. 

The Bourgogne Blanc is a mini-Meursault this year and is drawn almost entirely from estate fruit. The vineyards are Les Millerands, Sous la Velle and Les Belles Côtes, with each parcel well sited on the Côte. Unlike the vast majority of Bourgogne (from the foot of the hill, and across the D974), Leroux’s vines are grown on limestone-rich terroirs, situated below the villages level vines of Meursault. There is also a little bit of fruit from Vosne-Romanée. As usual, the wine was raised in 12- and 15-hectolitre foudres and 600-litre demi-muids for 11 months before finishing its élevage in stainless steel for four months. The large-format vessels allow Leroux to work with lower levels of sulphur. As always, this is brilliant for its level.

Racked to tank in July, from foudre and 600 litre barrels. Almost all the grapes come from around Meursault. Excellent balance here with a line of concentration through the middle. Perfectly judged ripeness, more in white fruit. Textbook example, just a little oak toast but the fruit is the driver. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Burgundy
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%