Having created a name for himself as régisseur (general manager) of Domaine du Comte Armand in Pommard, Benjamin Leroux established, with English backing, a small négociant business based in Beaune since 2007. The range is confined to the Côte d’Or, from Chassagne-Montrachet to Gevrey-Chambertin, with the intention of developing farming contracts or indeed purchasing vineyards in the future.
The possibilities are very exciting for this exceptionally talented vigneron. Benjamin is a master at delivering purity of fruit alongside a seamless texture in his wines which have only the subtlest influence of oak. One of Benjamin’s favourite locations for white wine vineyards is the border between Auxey-Duresses and Meursault, which is where Les Vireuils can be found. Here the natural weight of Meursault is enhanced by the fresher minerality typical of the side valley of Auxey-Duresses.
Appellation:
Cote de Beaune
Country of Origin:
Burgundy, France
Type:
White/Blanc (Still)
Grape Varieties:
Chardonnay
Vinification:
As with Leroux’s Meursault villages, this wine was aged in mature 600-litre barrels (20% new) for a year before being transferred to tank before bottling.
Tasting Notes:
(Vinous' rating: 88-90 points)
The 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet Village has a tightly-wound bouquet that takes time unfurl. The palate is well balanced with a slightly honeyed entry, lower acidity than the Meursault with an easy-going plumpness on the finish.
(Drinking window: 2023-2032)
