Benjamin Leroux Savigny-Les-Beaune 2017
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 2017 is the classic blend of sources for this cuvée, with fruit from a range of exposures and soil types. The lion’s share comes from the outstanding Aux Forneaux terroir in the north of the village. Then there’s Les Peuillets and 1er Cru Hauts Jarrons in the south, and Ez Connardises in the heart of the village making up the quartet of parcels. The fruit was mostly destemmed (15% whole bunches were applied to the Aux Forneaux parcel) and the wine saw next to no new oak. Two-thirds of the Savigny villages is now raised in foudre. The note below describes the wine well—it’s a lifted, aromatic and super pretty red Burgundy laced with delicate red fruits, rose and jasmine florals and a crunchy, refreshing finish. There’s surprising depth in the context of the level but overall, it’s a super-pure, pretty and floral wine.
Was barrel now in foudre. All village in 2017, the 1er cru has been made apart. Medium deep red, with an attractive savoury deep red fruit on the nose, followed by a surprising weight of fresh cherry fruit and then some additional lifted quality from a few stems (Fourneaux) at the back. Not massive but very pretty, and actually with exceptional persistence. - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - France
Region - Burgundy
Vintage - 2017
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
Closure - Cork