2023 Benjamin Leroux Vosne-Romanee

“Benjamin’s whites have been consistently fine over the years, but in 2023 I was particularly struck by the quality of his reds. He seems to have read the vintage just right, to make wines with classy fruit and purity, with enough structure to have some ageing potential.”
- Jasper Morris MW

Overview:
Leroux now controls two hectares in Vosne, and the 2023 release includes the fruit of five separate lieux-dits. Importantly, these vineyards are home to excellent vine material—almost exclusively old selections of Pinot Fin. From north to south, these sites include: the superb Maizières Basses (organically farmed with 60-year-old Pinot Fin vines); a small portion of Les Violettes; a new (to Leroux) parcel of old-vine Pinot Fin in Genaivrières (just beneath Domaine Leroy’s vines); and finally, there is Les Jacquines, Au Village and Au-Dessus de la Rivière. These parcels span the village’s terroirs, and each was vinified separately. The 40% whole-bunch quota derives mainly from the northern parcels, and the blend was crafted with roughly 15% new oak.

90-92 points, Jasper Morris
Dense purple, though the nose needs and will get a freshening. The fruit though shows its paces in the mouth, with all the nobility of fine Vosne-Romanée, very sensual but with a backbone built for the long term. Delicious, and will be even better when freshened up.

17/20 Points, Matthew Hayes, Jancisrobinson.com
Mid ruby. Mid weight with fine, elegant tannins. Plenty of perfume over a moderate structure. Sapid and tasty.