Benjamin Leroux Pommard 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. With both this cuvée and the wonderful Rugiens-Hauts, Leroux is back in Pommard with a bang. The 2017 is a blend of Les Vaumuriens, high on the slope, and Les Cras on the lower slope─both vineyards lie on the Volnay side of the village. This was crafted from 100% destemmed berries and raised with roughly 20% new oak. It’s a stunning example of Pommard villages with loads of dark cherry, ink, forest floor notes and all kinds of spice. Both layered and structured, this is simply a brilliant expression. The 2017 Pommard Village, which comes from Les Cras and Vaumuriens, had not been racked, unlike the Volnay Village. It has a vivid, floral bouquet that conveys impressive vibrancy. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of juicy ripe dark cherry fruit mixed with boysenberries, almost Volnay-like in its roundness and silky texture. This will be irresistible in its youth. – Neal Martin, Vinous The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Pinot Noir Country – France Region – Burgundy Vintage – 2017 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13% Closure – Cork