Benjamin Leroux Savigny les Beaune 2018

Those who attended our recent Zoom masterclass would have heard Benjamin waxing lyrical about his 2018 Savigny, and the excellent quality of the villages wines in general. They would have also tasted this wine and so seen the proof in the glass. The lion’s share of this vintage comes from the outstanding Aux Fournaux terroir in the north of the village. Then there’s Les Peuillets (in the south) and Ez Connardises (in the heart of the village), to make up the traditional trio of parcels. While the latter plots were de-stemmed, the Aux Fournaux parcel was fermented with 80% whole-bunch (a rarity in Leroux Savigny). The entire cuvée saw next to no new oak.

It’s a remarkably deep and powerful wine in the context of Savigny, with blackcurrant, cocoa and some red cherry too. The finish is bright with powdery tannins. Always a bargain, it is particularly so this year. I believe the extra aging has brought more depth than suggested by the note below.

“The 2018 Savigny-lès-Beaune Village was taken from tank and contains 15–20% whole-bunch fruit (one-third originating from Les Fourneaux). It has a pleasant, slightly bucolic red currant and cranberry bouquet. The palate is well balanced with crunchy red fruit and slightly peppery in style; a little chewiness comes through on the finish. Fine.” 87-89 points, Neal Martin, Vinous

You immediately see more depth, tannin and chalkiness from the proportion of whole bunch used. It’s not overdone, it’s beautifully balanced with quite rich raspberry red fruits with quite a lot of punch. A pretty terrific Village wine. Leroux himself really talks up the Savigny wines. Highly recommended. Ian Cook, FWC