Visit to Benjamin Leroux – Tasting the 2020 Reds

I have known Benjamin Leroux almost since he started at Domaine Comte d’Armand in Pommard back in 1999 – i.e. some 20+ years.

Benjamin today is one of the leading producers of red and white Burgundies. He makes equally good wines in each colour, and produces them in comparable quantities.

One could argue that the vineyard base of his domaine is more substantial for whites. But amazingly, Benjamin seems to find new vineyards to maintain the production of high-quality reds.

The articles about his whites and previous reds can be found in the listing below.

• Visit to Benjamin Leroux – Tasting the 2020 Reds
• Visit to Benjamin Leroux – Tasting the 2020 Whites
• Benjamin Leroux, Echezeaux 2014

But let’s look at Ben’s red 2020s.

The notes

Benjamin Leroux produces many wines, and therefore there was no time – or should I say personal capacity – to taste them all.

I normally have a limit of 30 wines at one tasting, as this stretches my palate’s ability. Some tasters can taste more (good for them), but for me, it becomes too much when we reach 40 or 50 wines – or even more. So no more than 30, please.

All the wines below are barrel samples, as Benjamin started bottling in early April, and the tasting was held on April 6.

Benjamin Leroux Bourgogne Rouge 2020

The Bourgogne Rouge is from the Côte de Beaune area around Pommard, Volnay, and Meursault. It is a fruity, joyful wine, lively and quite refined. A vin de soif!

(Drink from 2022) – Good+ – (87p) –

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Benjamin Leroux Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru 2020

The Savigny 1er Cru is lightly extracted and quite elegant, and I like the balance and depth. This is not a big wine, although the concentration is surprisingly good, as with many other 2020s.

(Drink from 2025) – Very Good – (88p) –

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Benjamin Leroux Blagny La Pièce Sous le Bois 2020

I have a soft spot for red Blagnys – and Benjamin makes a tremendous Blagny Pièce Sous le Bois, rivalling even the delightful Matrot version. The Leroux example is a real treat, with both mineral and floral sides. A delightful and lively glass.

(Drink from 2029) – Fine+ – (91-93p) –

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