Benjamin Leroux Vosne-Romanee 2021

Benjamin Leroux takes the reins of two hectares in Vosne, and the 2021 villages wine is a product of meticulous sourcing from five distinct lieux-dits. Notably, these vineyards boast top-tier Pinot Noir vines, predominantly old selections of Pinot Fin. The selected sites span from north to south, encompassing Maizières Basses (organically farmed with 60-year-old Pinot Fin vines), a section of Les Violettes, a recently acquired parcel of old-vine Pinot Fin in Genaivrières (just beneath Domaine Leroy's vines), Les Jacquines, and Au-Dessus de la Rivière. Each parcel undergoes separate vinification. Despite the challenges, Leroux maintains the wine volume achieved in 2020, with a 50% whole-bunch quota mainly sourced from the two northern parcels. This offering exemplifies Vosne-Romanée with richness on the palate and compelling tension.

The winemaking process underscores Leroux's expertise. Up to 50% whole-cluster fermentation adds complexity and structure. Ambient yeast fermentation, precise pumpovers, and punch downs gently extract flavors. Post-fermentation maceration enhances depth. Aging in foudres or barrels, with a maximum of 30% new oak, ensures the fruit's prominence. Similar to the white wines, minimal fining or filtration is applied, and the wines are bottled with natural cork closures and approximately 40 to 50ppm sulfur.

Benjamin Leroux's Vosne-Romanée 2021 is a testament to meticulous sourcing and winemaking, offering a fine example of the village's richness and compelling tension on the palate.