Benjamin Leroux Volnay 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. This year’s blend was drawn from La Gigotte and Le Famines, both abutting the 1er Cru belt that lies below the village between Les Mitans and the D974. To this fruit, some declassified 1er Cru from Leroux’s vines in La Gigotte, Mitans and Santenots was added. There was just a little whole bunch this year (mainly from the Gigotte parcel) with Leroux picking out the best-looking bunches at the sorting table. There’s no denying that Leroux is a master of this village and once again this is a terrific release. The 2020 Volnay Village comes from two climats. This nose feels quite backward at the moment, later offers black plum, mint and undergrowth aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannins, fleshy, good backbone with a finely proportioned finish. Very fine. – Neal Martin, Vinous The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Pinot Noir Country – France Region – Burgundy Vintage – 2020 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13.5%