2017 Benjamin Leroux Charmes-Chambertin Les Mazoyeres Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits

Like more and more growers in this part of the Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru, Leroux has been using the historic lieu-dit name of Mazoyères to indicate that this terroir is significantly different to the rest of the AOC and, arguably, superior. However, in 2017 the Estate accidentally declared the fruit as Charmes-Chambertin, and were not permitted to re-declare as Mazoyères. Regardless, as always this comes from the same 0.13 hectares of Mazoyères Dessus (planted in 1965), in the favoured top part of this vineyard, near 1er Cru Combottes and Grand Cru Latricières-Chambertin, bordering Morey. While the front label states Charmes-Chambertin, the back label and cork references Mazoyères, making this a collector’s item in more ways than one!

Three barrels made. Rich concentrated red purple. A wealth of high-class fruit appears on the nose. Huge energy arrives at the back of the palate with the characteristic crunchy fruit, very much in a lively red fruit register. An excellent example.” 

“The 2017 Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru, of which there are three barrels, has a tightly wound bouquet of dark black fruit, briar and, later, violet and incense aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, great volume and layers of truffle-tinged black fruit; a dab of white pepper lingers on the aftertaste. This is certainly one for the cellar.”