Benjamin Leroux Auxey-Duresses 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. Leroux’s terrific Auxey-Duresses is drawn from three terroirs—Les Hautés, La Macabrée and Les Boutonniers—all abutting Meursault’s Les Vireuils Dessous and Les Meix Chavaux. The oldest vines date back to 1946. The land here is north-facing and affected by the cold air rolling down from the Hautes-Côtes—so very fresh terroir! The higher vineyards of the Côte often perform very well in warmer years, and this is a great example of this phenomenon. This was vinified in 12-hectolitre casks, with a small portion of the blend raised for 15 months in 600-litre barrels. A classic Benjamin Leroux cuvée, raised mostly in foudre. Pale lemon and lime colour. Very classy bouquet with a slight smoky touch. Lovely second half of the palate here, a light lime touch to the yellow fruit, good intensity, delicious length. Riper than it used to be. – Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Chardonnay Country – France Region – Burgundy Vintage – 2020 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13%