Benjamin Leroux Echezeaux Grand Cru 2022

It is great to have this Grand Cru back in our allocation, not least because the 2022 is so outstanding. Leroux's wine now comes from En Orveaux, a five-hectare climat bordering Chambolle. This is one of Echezeaux's coolest sites, thanks to its exposure to the winds funnelling down the Orveau valley. On the upper slope above Clos de Vougeot and Grands Echezeaux, there is very little topsoil before the vines hit the hard limestone (similar to that found in Premeaux), so the wine offers tremendous finesse, perfume and texture, as well as a cool, vibrant finish. In 2022, the wine fermented with 50% bunches and just one new 450-litre barrel was produced.

Mid purple, with a reductive nose, having not yet been racked. The intensity of fruit explodes on the palate behind the wood, this will come round with longer elevage. 94-96 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy.

?The 50% whole cluster works to very nice effect here with light, woodsy spice, leather and dried rose petals. Raspberry cobbler comes through on the palate. Aged in large barrels, there isn't an obvious oak imprint here. Beguiling and elegant, this will be approachable fairly early on but will age well, too.? 95 points, Christine Canterbury MW, Tim Atkin 2022 Burgundy Report.