2022 Benjamin Leroux Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru La Pièce Sous Le Bois, Burgundy

Clear pale lemon. Ripe apples, a light lemon rinse, then a very steely core through the middle, full of energy, racy and stylish at the same time, with a fine long finish. Racked to foudre to finish its elevage.

92-94 points Jasper Morris MW insideburgundy.com

This is now a flagship wine for Ben, who works 1.5 of the 2.2 hectares of Chardonnay available. Leroux vines average 50 years old and are biodynamically certified. This is perhaps Ben’s most extreme and rocky terroir, and his hunch that higher vineyards are becoming more important with climate change is paying off. While it lies at high altitude (320 to 350 metres) and endures bitterly cold winters, the vineyard picks up plenty of sun during the summer. 2022 is a stunning fit for this beautiful vineyard. You have the silky ripeness of the year countered by spicy, mineral grip. Listening to Leroux talk about Blagny, he clearly loves the “Saint Aubin-style” terroir. He used various aging vessels for this release, including a glass Wine Globe and new egg-shaped foudre.

Benjamin Leroux is a renowned winemaker from Burgundy, France, celebrated for his meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking. Known for crafting exceptional wines that express the unique terroir of Burgundy, Benjamin Leroux has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the region. His commitment to biodynamic practices and minimal intervention in the winemaking process ensures that each bottle reflects the true character of the vineyard.