Maison Benjamin Leroux - Meursault 2023 (750ml)
Price: $169.99
| Producer | Maison Benjamin Leroux |
| Country | France |
| Region | Burgundy |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 205410 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Maison Benjamin Leroux Description
One of the wonderful aspects of Domaine du Comte Armand, is the family’s habit since 1985 of placing their trust in surprisingly youthful talent. Their instincts have been remarkable. Between Pascal Marchand and Paul Zinetti was Benjamin Leroux, who was handed the reins of the domaine in 1999, at the age of 24.
Ben stayed at Comte Armand for fifteen vintages and started his own side project in 2007. Though there are no family vineyards, he now vinifies approximately 30 hectares, 8 of which are domaine holdings that are farmed organically and biodynamically.
His range of appellations is astounding. It spans the Côte from Chassagne-Montrachet to Gevrey-Chambertin, and includes all levels in Burgundy’s hierarchy. Particular favorites of ours are his collection of premier crus, not only because many of them are the most prized, but sometimes precisely because of the opposite. Take Blagny. Right? Yet, with its high altitude and white marl soils, it produces reds and whites with such rebellious minerality and freshness they regularly steal the show.
Blagny is a good metaphor for Ben. Though he has become one of the most respected classical winemakers of his generation, his underlying unconformity, wit, and humour are why he is also among everyone’s most loved.
This blend is almost exclusively from domain grapes. The lieux-dits are sprinkled throughout Meursault and total 1.4ha: Les Criots is on the Volnay side, Au Moulin Landin is in the center, Les Millerands is closer to Puligny, and the Bois de Blagny has a higher elevation (giving tension and minerality to the blend). Vines were planted from 1977-1944
Burghound: 89 Points
A slightly riper nose combines notes of pear and apple compote with those of lemon confit and a pretty floral top note. The caressing, sappy and seductively textured medium weight flavors display unusually good power for a Meursault villages while delivering fine length on the very dry but not really austere finale. Very good quality here and a wine that could be enjoyed young or with mid-term keeping.
Vinous: 87-89 Points
The 2023 Meursault Village comes from the five lieux-dits at the foot of the slope (as usual). There is a very slight reduction at play, with fine tension with light walnut scents. The palate is well balanced with a harmonious opening. Perhaps it just misses a bit of nerve, yet there is a lovely honey-tinged finish that is quite seductive.
