2023 Benjamin Leroux - Blagny La Piece Sous le Bois (750ml)

Benjamin Leroux built his reputation as régisseur of Domaine du Comte Armand in Pommard before launching his own négociant house in Beaune in 2007, with English backing. Unlike most négociants, he works directly with organic and biodynamic growers across the Côte d'Or, from Chassagne-Montrachet to Gevrey-Chambertin, managing vineyard work himself to coax out purity of fruit with only the subtlest touch of oak. Convinced of its overlooked potential, Leroux expanded into the little-known village of Blagny in 2017.

Blagny sits astride Meursault and Puligny and has traditionally been planted almost entirely to red grapes, though most growers there favor Chardonnay under a neighboring village's more famous name. Leroux's Pinot Noir parcel lies on one of the highest points among Meursault's premier crus, giving the wine an unusual freshness for a red. The grapes are destemmed, macerated for three weeks in tank, fermented with native yeasts, then aged in barrel without new oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The wine shows red fruit with a spiced edge and firm, structured tannins that call for a little patience. Concentrated raspberry and dark cherry carry real richness underneath. Serve with grilled sausages, roast pork belly, or a firm sheep's-milk cheese.