Benjamin Leroux Auxey Duresses Blanc 2023

Leroux’s terrific Auxey-Duresses has always been one of the range’s great-value wines—drinking superbly young and aging very well, too. The fruit comes from two terroirs—Les Hautés and La Macabrée —both abutting Meursault’s Les Vireuils Dessous and Les Meix Chavaux. The oldest vines date back to 1946. The land here faces north, enduring the cold air rolling down from the Hautes Côtes—a very fresh terroir! The higher vineyards of the Côte often perform well in warmer years, and this is a perfect example of the phenomenon. You find the punchy, vibrant freshness and minerality of the place woven through a generous core of flesh. This was vinified in 12-hectolitre casks, with a portion of the blend raised for 15 months in 600-litre barrels. Importer’s notes.

“The 2023 Auxey-Duresses Blanc has a delightful, well-defined bouquet with citrus peel and Granny Smith scents. The palate is well balanced with light tropical notes countered by a fine bead of acidity and a touch of spice on the finish. This is worth seeking out.” 87-89 points, Neal Martin, Vinous.

“Pale colour, a more restrained nose and the oak is not talking much. A lifted fresh greener fruit on the palate, but still properly ripe, with a supple, and subtle finish. Fair length. Drink from 2026-2030.” 88-89 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy.