Benjamin Leroux Volnay 2018

Volnay was arguably the standout village of the Côte de Beaune in 2018 and, when you consider that half of this wine comes from declassified 1er Cru, it’s easy to understand why Leroux considers this his favourite villages red from 2018. This year’s blend was drawn from Les Grands Champs, a site abutting the 1er Cru belt that lies below the village, from declassified 1er Cru La Gigotte, and, for the first time, the 2018 includes some fruit from the lower part of 1er Cru Les Carelles. These sources are in fact all one continuous parcel from one owner. The vines average 40 years of age.

Across the blend, just 20% whole bunches were employed this year and there was no new oak. It all adds up to one hell of a village release—deep and packed with dark cherry fruit and all kinds of spice and plenty of fine tannins. Will certainly repay cellaring for at least a decade.

“Leroux's 2018 Volnay Village offers up aromas of cherries, cassis, dark chocolate and grilled squab, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and velvety palate with a pretty core of fruit, powdery tannins and succulent underlying acids. It's a blend of Grands Champs, Gigotte and Carelles—fine communal lieux-dits that touch the premiers crus.” 88-90 points, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

Roundness, soft earthiness, savoury fruit, dark cherry, plum and damp soil meld with ripe brown spices and a gentle hint of stem. Already quite seamless, ready and complete. Pretty, bloody classic and great at the Village level. - Ian Cook, FWC