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:
Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru AOC
Country of Origin:
Burgundy, France
Type:
White/Blanc (Still)
Grape Varieties:
Chardonnay
Tasting Notes:
(Allen Meadows' rating: 90-93 points)
Here the expressive nose displays a phenolic note on the ripe aromas of mostly poached white orchard fruit and a hint of rosemary oil. There is fine richness and density to the bigger-bodied and powerful flavors that exhibit fine length on the bone-dry finale. This won't win any plaudits for refinement but with that said, neither is it rustic. Outstanding!
(Drinking window: 2028+)
