2023 Benjamin Leroux Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Hauts Jarrons, Burgundy

Another rich purple colour, with plenty of fruit energy, mostly in raspberry mode, then firm behind while waiting for the tannins to soften, as they will. Drink 2029-2034

88-90 points Jasper Morris MW insideburgundy.com

The Benjamin Leroux Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Hauts Jarrons is a refined and terroir-driven Burgundy that highlights both the character of this respected premier cru vineyard and the precision of one of Burgundy’s most talented contemporary winemakers. Benjamin Leroux, former régisseur of Domaine du Comte Armand and now running his own highly regarded négociant-éleveur label, is known for producing wines of clarity, balance and understated elegance.

Les Hauts Jarrons sits on the south-facing slopes of Savigny-lès-Beaune, just below Beaune’s border, with limestone-clay soils that yield Pinot Noir of fragrance and structure. This is a site often described as delivering wines with the depth of Beaune and the floral lift of Savigny, making it particularly admired by Burgundy collectors.

In the glass, the wine is a brilliant ruby red. The nose is aromatic and complex, with red cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry interwoven with violet, spice, forest floor and a hint of mineral. On the palate it is medium-bodied and silky, with juicy red fruit framed by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Subtle oak adds spice and texture, while the finish is long, elegant and savoury, showing both charm and ageing potential.

Food pairings reflect its elegance and savoury nuance: roast duck with cherry glaze, coq au vin, mushroom fricassée, or simply roast chicken with herbs. Soft cheeses such as Brie de Meaux or Delice de Bourgogne also work beautifully. With 10 to 15 years of cellaring potential, it develops greater depth and complexity, gaining truffle, game and dried herb notes while retaining its fruit core.