Benjamin Leroux Meursault 1er Cru 'Les Genevrieres' 2022

Few will need reminding that Les Genevrieres is one of Meursault's greatest terroirs, arguably the finest after Les Perrieres. This is drawn from two old-vine parcels in the gravelly limestone of the lower part (Dessous) of Genevrieres. The two parcels add up to a single hectare, making this Leroux's largest 1er Cru. Previous incarnations have been labelled Genevrieres-Dessous. This caused confusion with the Domaine bottling from Genevrieres-Dessus in the past, so Leroux has decided to simply label this wine Genevrieres. The 2022 is also the second-last vintage because these vines were replanted after the 2023 harvest. This was the first wine to be picked in 2022 (with the Batard), and you see why-it is a rich, powerful expression of the site and one of the more hedonistic whites in the range. 

The 2022 Meursault Genevrieres 1er Cru has a more backward bouquet than the Les Charmes-Dessus, gaining intensity all the time in the glass. The well-balanced palate has a slightly creamy texture, harmonious with grilled hazelnut and almond. There's a touch of vanilla pod towards the finish from the oak that will be subsumed with time. Very fine. 92-94 points, Neal Martin, Vinous.