Product Description: Pinot precision from a prized Vosne lieu-dit. The 2022 Vosne-Romanée Les Damaudes from Pierre-Vincent Girardin delivers a vivid snapshot of site and winemaker in sync. This rare parcel sits just above the hallowed Vosne 1er Cru Malconsorts at 300–350 metres elevation, planted with vines over 50 years old. It’s a wine of altitude, energy and poise. Girardin treats this terroir with finesse: whole-cluster fermented, matured 11 months in oak (one-third new), then a short stint in steel before bottling unfined and unfiltered. The result is a racy, blackcurrant-fruited Pinot with sculpted tannins and a mineral backbone that reflects its clay-limestone soils. Structured yet supple, this cuvée will reward cellaring for 6 to 12 years. Ideal with game birds, roast lamb, or a pan-seared foie gras. The Maker Pierre-Vincent Girardin cut his teeth under Burgundy’s grand domaines, then struck out on his own in 2012 with a singular goal: to distil the purest essence of Meursault’s storied terroir. Working single-parcel parcels across premier lieu-dits, he tends each vine personally—pruning, ploughing and hand-harvesting to ensure fruit arrives at the winery in immaculate condition. His background in oenology underpins a thoughtful, measured approach: fermentation is guided but never forced, and élevage prioritises transparency over showmanship. At the winery, Girardin champions whole-cluster vinification, letting indigenous yeasts and gentle extraction shape each cuvée. He favours large-format, 456-litre barrels (half new) to temper oak’s footprint, then finishes in stainless steel to lock in freshness and purity. Unfined and unfiltered, his wines arrive in bottle as faithful ambassadors of their origin—alive with mineral energy and poised acidity. Today, Pierre-Vincent’s range stands as a testament to small-scale craft. With annual production measured in thousands—not tens of thousands—of bottles, each release feels personal: a snapshot of vintage nuances and a window into Girardin’s relentless quest for balance. His wines are never ostentatious; they simply do their job with quiet confidence. Philosophy At the heart of Girardin’s endeavour lies a reverence for soil. His parcels—Casse-Têtes, Sous la Velle and La Barre Dessus—are chosen for their limestone-marl matrices, each site imparting its own textural signature. By isolating micro-terroirs, he lets geology speak: gunflint minerality, bright citrus tension and the chalky grip that defines top-flight Meursault. Sustainability is more than a buzzword here. Girardin farms organically, accepts vintage variability and avoids chemical shortcuts. Low yields are a feature, not a flaw; they concentrate flavour and ensure vines remain vigorous for generations to come. Every vineyard intervention—from cover crops to canopy management—is calibrated to nurture biodiversity and soil health. In cellar, restraint rules. Fermentation vessels are selected for nuance, élevage schedules are dictated by tasting rather than tradition, and assemblages are kept minimal to preserve site identity. Through these choices, the Girardin range emerges as a cohesive narrative: a clear, unvarnished voice that invites drinkers to explore Meursault one parcel at a time. Tasting Notes NOSE – Dark fruit and spice Aromatic lift of blackcurrant, wild cherry and subtle earth. PALATE – Racy and refined Fresh black fruit rides a frame of fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. FINISH – Silky and persistent Velvety texture tapers into a savoury, mineral finish.

Product Description: Next-gen Puligny with Grand Cru pedigree. Pierre-Vincent Girardin’s 2022 Les Pucelles is a razor-sharp expression of one of Puligny-Montrachet’s most fabled Premier Cru sites. Sourced from vines that sit shoulder-to-shoulder with Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, this wine is the work of a rising star whose Burgundy roots run 13 generations deep. Girardin brings precision and flair to this cuvée, drawing on organic methods and elite vineyard access. Fermented whole cluster, aged 11 months in 100% new oak, and then six more in steel, it balances richness with taut acidity. There’s both power and restraint here—true to site, but charged with youthful verve. Expect it to reward cellaring over the next two decades. 100% Chardonnay, and perfectly suited to dishes like lobster, foie gras, or classic poultry in sauce. The Maker Pierre-Vincent Girardin cut his teeth under Burgundy’s grand domaines, then struck out on his own in 2012 with a singular goal: to distil the purest essence of Meursault’s storied terroir. Working single-parcel parcels across premier lieu-dits, he tends each vine personally—pruning, ploughing and hand-harvesting to ensure fruit arrives at the winery in immaculate condition. His background in oenology underpins a thoughtful, measured approach: fermentation is guided but never forced, and élevage prioritises transparency over showmanship. At the winery, Girardin champions whole-cluster vinification, letting indigenous yeasts and gentle extraction shape each cuvée. He favours large-format, 456-litre barrels (half new) to temper oak’s footprint, then finishes in stainless steel to lock in freshness and purity. Unfined and unfiltered, his wines arrive in bottle as faithful ambassadors of their origin—alive with mineral energy and poised acidity. Today, Pierre-Vincent’s range stands as a testament to small-scale craft. With annual production measured in thousands—not tens of thousands—of bottles, each release feels personal: a snapshot of vintage nuances and a window into Girardin’s relentless quest for balance. His wines are never ostentatious; they simply do their job with quiet confidence. Philosophy At the heart of Girardin’s endeavour lies a reverence for soil. His parcels—Casse-Têtes, Sous la Velle and La Barre Dessus—are chosen for their limestone-marl matrices, each site imparting its own textural signature. By isolating micro-terroirs, he lets geology speak: gunflint minerality, bright citrus tension and the chalky grip that defines top-flight Meursault. Sustainability is more than a buzzword here. Girardin farms organically, accepts vintage variability and avoids chemical shortcuts. Low yields are a feature, not a flaw; they concentrate flavour and ensure vines remain vigorous for generations to come. Every vineyard intervention—from cover crops to canopy management—is calibrated to nurture biodiversity and soil health. In cellar, restraint rules. Fermentation vessels are selected for nuance, élevage schedules are dictated by tasting rather than tradition, and assemblages are kept minimal to preserve site identity. Through these choices, the Girardin range emerges as a cohesive narrative: a clear, unvarnished voice that invites drinkers to explore Meursault one parcel at a time. Tasting Notes NOSE – Subtle reduction and pastry Aromatic lift of brioche, light toast and a touch of flinty reduction. PALATE – Vibrant and layered Juicy acidity drives layers of citrus and stone fruit over a textured, creamy mid-palate. FINISH – Long and savoury A saline edge and mineral cut carry through a long, mouth-watering finish.

Product Description: Pierre-Vincent Girardin’s 2022 Folatières hails from a 0.29 ha domaine plot at the core of “Ez Folatières,” sharing altitude and topography with Les Caillerets and Le Montrachet. As a 13th-generation Burgundian who launched his own label at 21, Girardin channels deep-rooted family know-how into this Chardonnay, creating a signature Puligny that balances intensity with precision. These 40+ year-old vines thrive in clay-limestone soils facing east, under fully organic cultivation. Grapes are pressed whole-cluster, then aged for 12 months in 456 L oak barrels (50% new) before a further 7 months in stainless steel. The result is a wine marked by wet-stone aromatics and bright citrus, underpinned by sculpted mineral drive. Ready to drink now or reward patient cellaring for 10–20 years, this Folatières shows its best at 12 °C. Pair it with poultry in a creamy sauce, veal fried with mushrooms, foie gras, or simply grilled lobster and sea-fish. The Maker Pierre-Vincent Girardin cut his teeth under Burgundy’s grand domaines, then struck out on his own in 2012 with a singular goal: to distil the purest essence of Meursault’s storied terroir. Working single-parcel parcels across premier lieu-dits, he tends each vine personally—pruning, ploughing and hand-harvesting to ensure fruit arrives at the winery in immaculate condition. His background in oenology underpins a thoughtful, measured approach: fermentation is guided but never forced, and élevage prioritises transparency over showmanship. At the winery, Girardin champions whole-cluster vinification, letting indigenous yeasts and gentle extraction shape each cuvée. He favours large-format, 456-litre barrels (half new) to temper oak’s footprint, then finishes in stainless steel to lock in freshness and purity. Unfined and unfiltered, his wines arrive in bottle as faithful ambassadors of their origin—alive with mineral energy and poised acidity. Today, Pierre-Vincent’s range stands as a testament to small-scale craft. With annual production measured in thousands—not tens of thousands—of bottles, each release feels personal: a snapshot of vintage nuances and a window into Girardin’s relentless quest for balance. His wines are never ostentatious; they simply do their job with quiet confidence. Philosophy At the heart of Girardin’s endeavour lies a reverence for soil. His parcels—Casse-Têtes, Sous la Velle and La Barre Dessus—are chosen for their limestone-marl matrices, each site imparting its own textural signature. By isolating micro-terroirs, he lets geology speak: gunflint minerality, bright citrus tension and the chalky grip that defines top-flight Meursault. Sustainability is more than a buzzword here. Girardin farms organically, accepts vintage variability and avoids chemical shortcuts. Low yields are a feature, not a flaw; they concentrate flavour and ensure vines remain vigorous for generations to come. Every vineyard intervention—from cover crops to canopy management—is calibrated to nurture biodiversity and soil health. In cellar, restraint rules. Fermentation vessels are selected for nuance, élevage schedules are dictated by tasting rather than tradition, and assemblages are kept minimal to preserve site identity. Through these choices, the Girardin range emerges as a cohesive narrative: a clear, unvarnished voice that invites drinkers to explore Meursault one parcel at a time. Tasting Notes NOSE – Wet Stone & Citrus Mineral-rich aromas of rain-soaked limestone segue into zesty citrus peel. PALATE – Sculpted Mineral Tension Chiselled acidity frames ripe orchard fruits on a taut, saline backbone. FINISH – Persistent Chalk Dust Long, chalk-dust echo with a refined grip.

Pierre-Vincent Girardin’s 2022 Puligny-Montrachet comes from two prized lieux-dits, “Les Charmes” and “Les Corvées des Vignes,” on the northern edge of the village. As a 13th-generation Burgundian who struck out on his own at 21, Girardin channels centuries of expertise into each bottle, making his young label a go-to for Chardonnays that marry pedigree with personality. These 30+ year-old vines thrive in clay-limestone soils under organic and biodynamic cultivation. Whole-cluster pressing feeds into 11 months of barrel ageing (40% new oak) before a further six months in stainless steel, preserving the wine’s tension and energy. The result is a wine of precision—bright grapefruit and gunflint notes cutting through a pure mineral core. Drinkable now for its vivid attack and sleek palate, this Puligny-Montrachet will also reward careful cellaring over the next 8–15 years. Serve at 12 ºC alongside poultry in sauce, veal with mushrooms, foie gras or simply grilled lobster and sea-fish. The Maker Pierre-Vincent Girardin cut his teeth under Burgundy’s grand domaines, then struck out on his own in 2012 with a singular goal: to distil the purest essence of Meursault’s storied terroir. Working single-parcel parcels across premier lieu-dits, he tends each vine personally—pruning, ploughing and hand-harvesting to ensure fruit arrives at the winery in immaculate condition. His background in oenology underpins a thoughtful, measured approach: fermentation is guided but never forced, and élevage prioritises transparency over showmanship. At the winery, Girardin champions whole-cluster vinification, letting indigenous yeasts and gentle extraction shape each cuvée. He favours large-format, 456-litre barrels (half new) to temper oak’s footprint, then finishes in stainless steel to lock in freshness and purity. Unfined and unfiltered, his wines arrive in bottle as faithful ambassadors of their origin—alive with mineral energy and poised acidity. Today, Pierre-Vincent’s range stands as a testament to small-scale craft. With annual production measured in thousands—not tens of thousands—of bottles, each release feels personal: a snapshot of vintage nuances and a window into Girardin’s relentless quest for balance. His wines are never ostentatious; they simply do their job with quiet confidence. Philosophy At the heart of Girardin’s endeavour lies a reverence for soil. His parcels—Casse-Têtes, Sous la Velle and La Barre Dessus—are chosen for their limestone-marl matrices, each site imparting its own textural signature. By isolating micro-terroirs, he lets geology speak: gunflint minerality, bright citrus tension and the chalky grip that defines top-flight Meursault. Sustainability is more than a buzzword here. Girardin farms organically, accepts vintage variability and avoids chemical shortcuts. Low yields are a feature, not a flaw; they concentrate flavour and ensure vines remain vigorous for generations to come. Every vineyard intervention—from cover crops to canopy management—is calibrated to nurture biodiversity and soil health. In cellar, restraint rules. Fermentation vessels are selected for nuance, élevage schedules are dictated by tasting rather than tradition, and assemblages are kept minimal to preserve site identity. Through these choices, the Girardin range emerges as a cohesive narrative: a clear, unvarnished voice that invites drinkers to explore Meursault one parcel at a time. Tasting Notes NOSE – Bright Citrus & Flint A vivid burst of grapefruit underpinned by delicate gunflint piquancy. PALATE – Crisp Mineral Core Ripe orchard fruits ride a steely, saline drive. FINISH – Lingering Chalky Zest Long persistence with a flinty, chalk-dust echo.

Product Description: Practising organic and biodynamic viticulture, Girardin ferments whole clusters using indigenous yeasts, then raises the wine for 11 months in 456 L barrels (85 percent new) followed by five months in stainless steel. The result is a wine that balances concentrated white fruit with steely mineral drive and a bright grapefruit tang. Drink now for its vibrant tension or cellar for eight to twelve years to see deeper complexity emerge. Made from 100 percent Chardonnay (12.5 percent ABV), it’s ideal with veal or poultry in white-wine sauce, grilled lobster or king prawns in beurre blanc, and even blue cheese or foie gras. The Maker Pierre-Vincent Girardin cut his teeth under Burgundy’s grand domaines, then struck out on his own in 2012 with a singular goal: to distil the purest essence of Meursault’s storied terroir. Working single-parcel parcels across premier lieu-dits, he tends each vine personally—pruning, ploughing and hand-harvesting to ensure fruit arrives at the winery in immaculate condition. His background in oenology underpins a thoughtful, measured approach: fermentation is guided but never forced, and élevage prioritises transparency over showmanship. At the winery, Girardin champions whole-cluster vinification, letting indigenous yeasts and gentle extraction shape each cuvée. He favours large-format, 456-litre barrels (half new) to temper oak’s footprint, then finishes in stainless steel to lock in freshness and purity. Unfined and unfiltered, his wines arrive in bottle as faithful ambassadors of their origin—alive with mineral energy and poised acidity. Today, Pierre-Vincent’s range stands as a testament to small-scale craft. With annual production measured in thousands—not tens of thousands—of bottles, each release feels personal: a snapshot of vintage nuances and a window into Girardin’s relentless quest for balance. His wines are never ostentatious; they simply do their job with quiet confidence. Philosophy At the heart of Girardin’s endeavour lies a reverence for soil. His parcels—Casse-Têtes, Sous la Velle and La Barre Dessus—are chosen for their limestone-marl matrices, each site imparting its own textural signature. By isolating micro-terroirs, he lets geology speak: gunflint minerality, bright citrus tension and the chalky grip that defines top-flight Meursault. Sustainability is more than a buzzword here. Girardin farms organically, accepts vintage variability and avoids chemical shortcuts. Low yields are a feature, not a flaw; they concentrate flavour and ensure vines remain vigorous for generations to come. Every vineyard intervention—from cover crops to canopy management—is calibrated to nurture biodiversity and soil health. In cellar, restraint rules. Fermentation vessels are selected for nuance, élevage schedules are dictated by tasting rather than tradition, and assemblages are kept minimal to preserve site identity. Through these choices, the Girardin range emerges as a cohesive narrative: a clear, unvarnished voice that invites drinkers to explore Meursault one parcel at a time. Tasting Notes NOSE – Stony Citrus Lift Grapefruit and lemon peel intertwined with crushed chalk. PALATE – Crisp Mineral Texture Linear orchard fruit framed by steely salinity and fine grip. FINISH – Long Limestone Echo A sustained, saline-driven close with a final flash of grapefruit zest.

Product Description: Domaine 47°N 3°E Chablis 2022 is a refined and expressive wine from one of the most exciting young producers in Chablis, Guillaume Michaut. Sourced from two vineyard plots in the heart of the Chablis region, the wine is crafted with a respect for both the environment and traditional winemaking techniques. Using organic farming practices and native yeasts, this Chablis showcases the fresh, mineral character of the terroir, while also embracing the richness that comes with careful winemaking. The 2022 vintage is poised and complex, revealing a perfect balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality. Maker: Domaine 47°N3°E is the result of Guillaume Michaut’s passion for his roots, combined with his vision for a modern approach to winemaking. Located at the crossroads of 47° North and 3° East, Guillaume’s estate is a true reflection of the region’s rich history and terroir. The vineyard, with its family legacy dating back to the 1960s, was originally planted by Guillaume’s grandfather in the village of Beines. His grandfather’s early commitment to quality plantings was instrumental in earning the village its Chablis appellation recognition. Now working on his own since 2018, Guillaume applies his meticulous approach to a small but precious selection of family-owned vines, producing wines that embody both tradition and innovation. His deep connection to the land and respect for its natural rhythms are at the core of every bottle produced at Domaine 47°N3°E. Philosophy: At Domaine 47°N3°E, winemaking is centered around respecting the terroir and embracing a minimal-intervention approach. Guillaume’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that the true expression of a wine comes from the soil and grape, not from excessive winemaking techniques. His vineyards are cultivated organically, with a focus on sustainability and maintaining the health of the land. Drawing inspiration from his internship with Nicolas Maillet in the Mâconnais, Guillaume uses native yeasts and avoids sulfur during fermentation, only adding a minimal amount at bottling. Each cuvée is crafted to showcase the unique character of the land, with the focus on balance and purity, allowing the wines to speak for themselves. Whether aged in stainless steel or oak demi-muids, each wine from Domaine 47°N3°E reflects the care and attention to detail that goes into every step of production, ensuring wines of exceptional quality and authenticity. Tasting Notes: NOSE: Fresh, Floral, Citrus An aromatic blend of fresh citrus notes, such as lemon and lime, alongside delicate floral aromas of white flowers and hints of chalk and flint. An expressive bouquet with a touch of mineral freshness. PALATE: Balanced, Mineral, Lively Flavours of crisp green apple, lemon, and a subtle layer of pear. The mineral edge on the mid-palate reveals the true character of Chablis, while the wine’s texture remains smooth and harmonious. FINISH: Clean, Crisp, Elegant The finish is clean and refreshing, with the bright acidity and mineral undertones leaving a long-lasting, satisfying aftertaste. The wine’s finish is marked by a subtle elegance.

Family run since the 19th century, the Billecart Champagne house delivers large number of bottles which are always well made and of the highest quality. The Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs is a chardonnay-based cuvee produced from the five grand cru vineyards of the Cote des Blancs. It is a blend of two different years revealing the special quality of the chardonnay. It will surprise you with its pure intensity of dry fruits aromas, almonds, and fresh hazelnuts mixed with those of fruit. The creamy sensation of the bubble associated to aromas of buttered brioche and mineral aromas. Persistent finish with a fresh and elegant sweetness. Pairs perfectly with fine oysters, grilled fish and seafood or if you're feeling extra fancy, caviar.

Product Information: The 2022 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Baudines has a bit more flesh and opulence than usual thanks to a warmer, dry season and about One-third new oak this release. An excellent, mineral example of the terroir. The 3.6-hectare Les Baudines vineyard sits up high on the slope, near the tree line on the southwestern border of Chassagne. It’s essentially a continuation of Les Embazées but sits higher on the hillside, on poorer soil, with a higher limestone content. It’s a very cool site with primarily white, rocky clay soils—a terroir perfectly aligned with Leroux’s desire to produce fine-boned, chiselled Chassagne. Leroux’s vines were planted in the 1980s. From a season of contradictions. William Kelley writes, 'the 2022 vintage is proof that Burgundy hasn’t lost its capacity to surprise. How could the hottest, driest vintage since 1947 deliver wines so succulent, suave and charming?' Every wine critically reviewed was outstanding for its appellation. The whites offer freshness, density and the site transparency that we love from top Burgundy. While the red Burgundies purr with succulent textures, elegant tannins and appetising freshness. And although 2022 was a ripe year, the finesse and balance are extraordinary across the range. After the challenging, low-yielding 2021 season, 2022's warm, dry, and sunny conditions were a blessing for Burgundy’s vignerons. The success of season was owed to reasonable yields, cool nights and a couple of good rain events at critical periods. All factors that lead to beautiful balanced fruit with excellent vibrancy and freshness throughout. Maker: Lauded wine critic, Jancis Robinson boldly compares young Benjamin Leroux to the legendary Henri Jayer, 'You may remember that when I asked Allen Meadows, aka Burghound, who he thought might be a natural heir to the late great Henri Jayer of Burgundy, one of the two people he cited was young Benjamin Leroux of Domaine Comte Armand.' Henri Jayer is synonymous with Burgundy and remains one of the most revered wine personalities of the 20th century. If Jayer is the undisputed king of Burgundy, then Benjamin Leroux is emerging as his rightful heir. Leroux shares Jayer's perfectionism and diligence, with a remarkable ability to uncover potential in challenging sites. His meticulous vineyard and cellar techniques ensure that each wine reflects a steadfast commitment to quality, much like his revered predecessor. Born and bred in Beaune, Leroux was a prodigy, studying at the Lycée Viticole in Beaune from age 15 and taking the reins at the esteemed Domaine Comte Armand when he was just 24. Leroux would stay at Comte Armand for fifteen vintages, while simultaneously launching his eponymous négociant operation in 2007. By 2014 Leroux left Comte Armand—in great shape, to concentrate on his personal venture. The first stage of his evolution allowed him to establish the winery (in the old Jaboulet-Vercherre premises off the Beaune périphérique) and refine his ideas and understanding of the terroirs with which he wanted to work. The way Leroux structured this side of his business was highly innovative. His aim was to create the same quality standards of the finest domaines, despite not owning most of the vineyards. In tandem with his excelling négociant business, Leroux has quietly been building up his family’s impressive domaine holdings, which now run to eight hectares. Though he worked these vineyards organically and biodynamically from the beginning, it took him several years to apply for organic certification, which came in 2016. Ben’s first vineyard purchase was a 0.16-hectare slice of Batard-Montrachet in 2009, though most of Leroux’s white vineyards lie in Meursault and top-tier parcels in Genevrières-Dessus and Charmes-Dessus. For the reds he farms his beloved Blagny 1er Cru La Pièce Sous le Bois, in Volnay Santenots and there are a number of small parcels in Vosne-Romanée. These wines are a reminder of why people buy, drink and obsess over great Burgundy. The Philosophy: Ben has long-term relationships with the growers he works with, some of which he pays by land area rather than the quantity of fruit harvested. This allows him to dictate lower yields, ripeness, date of harvest, and so on. He only works with high-quality growers who plough or do not use herbicides or pesticides. Most are organic or biodynamic. For those that are not, there is an understanding that they will move to organics over five years. Like the greats before him, Leroux’s knowledge of the Côte is encyclopaedic, and he has unearthed some very exciting, previously less well-known terroirs for his portfolio. It’s important not to underestimate how close Leroux works with these growers, as that is one of the keys to his ability to coax the finest fruit quality from the vineyards. He never buys juice or finished wine, only fruit; he nominates the harvest dates and will pick himself if necessary. In terms of winemaking, this has been one of the most dynamic cellars on the Côte for fifteen years. Leroux works with some 50 appellations, and every wine has its own bespoke treatment according to the conditions of each vintage. This makes it difficult—and sometimes misleading—to generalise about the winemaking. We can say that the cellar is using more and more 600-litre, 1200-litre, and even larger casks for the whites; and more 450-litre to 600-litre barrels for the reds. In regards to wholebunch, generalising is like trying to hit a moving target: in any given year, Leroux works with between 0% and 90%. It depends on what's right for the fruit. Antonio Galloni gives high praise, stating, 'Benjamin Leroux is quiet and unassuming, but his wines more than speak for themselves... These are some of the most interesting wines being made in Burgundy today.' Nose - Orchard Blossoms, Lemon, Toast Inviting richness on the nose, White fruits. light cedary spice. Palate - White Fruits, Nutty, Spicy Rich and toasty on the palate, nutty and spicy, quite marked by the oak but still has lovely fruit at the core. Finish - Lemon Juice, Piercing Stone Minerals, Linear Lemon juices, Stony Minerals, driven by fresh acid line.

Product Information: Leroux's awareness of the rising importance of higher vineyards due to climate change is paying off. The Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru La Pièce Sous Le Bois is now the flagship wine for Ben. Ripe apples rise from the glass, a light lemon rinse, then a very steely core through the middle, rippling and full of energy through to the long mineral finish. This is now a flagship wine for Ben, who works 1.5 of the 2.2 hectares of Chardonnay available. Leroux vines average 50 years old and are biodynamically certified. While it lies at high altitude (320 to 350 metres) and endures bitterly cold winters, the vineyard picks up plenty of sun during the summer. 2022 is a stunning fit for this beautiful vineyard. You have the silky ripeness of the year countered by spicy, mineral grip. Listening to Leroux talk about Blagny, he clearly loves the “Saint Aubin-style” terroir. He used various aging vessels for this release, including a glass Wine Globe and new egg-shaped foudre. From a season of contradictions. William Kelley writes, 'the 2022 vintage is proof that Burgundy hasn’t lost its capacity to surprise. How could the hottest, driest vintage since 1947 deliver wines so succulent, suave and charming?' Every wine critically reviewed was outstanding for its appellation. The whites offer freshness, density and the site transparency that we love from top Burgundy. While the red Burgundies purr with succulent textures, elegant tannins and appetising freshness. And although 2022 was a ripe year, the finesse and balance are extraordinary across the range. After the challenging, low-yielding 2021 season, 2022's warm, dry, and sunny conditions were a blessing for Burgundy’s vignerons. The success of season was owed to reasonable yields, cool nights and a couple of good rain events at critical periods. All factors that lead to beautiful balanced fruit with excellent vibrancy and freshness throughout. Maker: Lauded wine critic, Jancis Robinson boldly compares young Benjamin Leroux to the legendary Henri Jayer, 'You may remember that when I asked Allen Meadows, aka Burghound, who he thought might be a natural heir to the late great Henri Jayer of Burgundy, one of the two people he cited was young Benjamin Leroux of Domaine Comte Armand.' Henri Jayer is synonymous with Burgundy and remains one of the most revered wine personalities of the 20th century. If Jayer is the undisputed king of Burgundy, then Benjamin Leroux is emerging as his rightful heir. Leroux shares Jayer's perfectionism and diligence, with a remarkable ability to uncover potential in challenging sites. His meticulous vineyard and cellar techniques ensure that each wine reflects a steadfast commitment to quality, much like his revered predecessor. Born and bred in Beaune, Leroux was a prodigy, studying at the Lycée Viticole in Beaune from age 15 and taking the reins at the esteemed Domaine Comte Armand when he was just 24. Leroux would stay at Comte Armand for fifteen vintages, while simultaneously launching his eponymous négociant operation in 2007. By 2014 Leroux left Comte Armand—in great shape, to concentrate on his personal venture. The first stage of his evolution allowed him to establish the winery (in the old Jaboulet-Vercherre premises off the Beaune périphérique) and refine his ideas and understanding of the terroirs with which he wanted to work. The way Leroux structured this side of his business was highly innovative. His aim was to create the same quality standards of the finest domaines, despite not owning most of the vineyards. In tandem with his excelling négociant business, Leroux has quietly been building up his family’s impressive domaine holdings, which now run to eight hectares. Though he worked these vineyards organically and biodynamically from the beginning, it took him several years to apply for organic certification, which came in 2016. Ben’s first vineyard purchase was a 0.16-hectare slice of Batard-Montrachet in 2009, though most of Leroux’s white vineyards lie in Meursault and top-tier parcels in Genevrières-Dessus and Charmes-Dessus. For the reds he farms his beloved Blagny 1er Cru La Pièce Sous le Bois, in Volnay Santenots and there are a number of small parcels in Vosne-Romanée. These wines are a reminder of why people buy, drink and obsess over great Burgundy. The Philosophy: Ben has long-term relationships with the growers he works with, some of which he pays by land area rather than the quantity of fruit harvested. This allows him to dictate lower yields, ripeness, date of harvest, and so on. He only works with high-quality growers who plough or do not use herbicides or pesticides. Most are organic or biodynamic. For those that are not, there is an understanding that they will move to organics over five years. Like the greats before him, Leroux’s knowledge of the Côte is encyclopaedic, and he has unearthed some very exciting, previously less well-known terroirs for his portfolio. It’s important not to underestimate how close Leroux works with these growers, as that is one of the keys to his ability to coax the finest fruit quality from the vineyards. He never buys juice or finished wine, only fruit; he nominates the harvest dates and will pick himself if necessary. In terms of winemaking, this has been one of the most dynamic cellars on the Côte for fifteen years. Leroux works with some 50 appellations, and every wine has its own bespoke treatment according to the conditions of each vintage. This makes it difficult—and sometimes misleading—to generalise about the winemaking. We can say that the cellar is using more and more 600-litre, 1200-litre, and even larger casks for the whites; and more 450-litre to 600-litre barrels for the reds. In regards to wholebunch, generalising is like trying to hit a moving target: in any given year, Leroux works with between 0% and 90%. It depends on what's right for the fruit. Antonio Galloni gives high praise, stating, 'Benjamin Leroux is quiet and unassuming, but his wines more than speak for themselves... These are some of the most interesting wines being made in Burgundy today.' Nose - Ripe Apples, White Fruits, Stony Ripe apples, a light lemon rinse, and a bit of sizzled butter. Palate - Light Lemon Rinse, Steely, Racy Good tension. Steely core of stonefruits and zesty citrus, racy and full of energy. Finish - Tense, Spice, Fine Finish A lightly buttery note from the oak, toasted almonds and flashes of minerality. “Clear pale lemon. Ripe apples, a light lemon rinse, then a very steely core through the middle, full of energy, racy and stylish at the same time, with a fine long finish. Racked to foudre to finish its elevage.” 92-94 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy