Benjamin Leroux Meursault Vireuils Blanc 2021《ZTF246》

Maison Benjamin Leroux is a small, boutique winery located in the Côte de Beaune appellation of Burgundy, France.

Established in 2007, Maison Benjamin Leroux is a relatively young winery, but its owner, Benjamin Leroux, has a distinguished background. Although not from a winemaking family, Benjamin has harbored the ambition of becoming a winemaker since childhood. He enrolled at the Lycee Viticole de Beaune at the age of 13, then earned a degree in oenology from the University of Dijon. From the age of 26, he became the head winemaker at Domaine Comte Armand. Benjamin possesses a deep and comprehensive understanding of the terroir within the Cote de Beaune and a strong sense of innovation in his winemaking. Renowned wine critic Allen Meadows has hailed him not only as one of the region's most gifted winemakers but also as the most likely successor to Burgundy's renowned winemaker, Henri Jayer.

Maison Benjamin Leroux owns a small number of vineyards, with most of its grapes purchased from other vineyards. Benjamin's goal is to produce wines of comparable quality to those of top-tier châteaux without owning a significant number of vineyards. To this end, he sets high standards for the grape growers he works with, many of whom he has known for many years, practice organic or biodynamic farming, and consistently produce high-quality grapes. Benjamin often pays these growers based on acreage rather than yield, giving him complete control over grape ripening, yield, and harvest date. Benjamin also excels at discovering lesser-known vineyards with unique terroirs. He treats each of these plots as if they were Grand Crus, according them the same level of care and dedication.

Meursault is the village where Benjamin has invested the most and owns the most parcels of land. "Les Vireuils," located at the top of the slope, is also one of Benjamin's most favored high-slope vineyards. Its crisp acidity and minerality directly demonstrate the unique and strong character of this parcel of terroir.

Young, it is quite firm, exuding delicate lemon-flower aromas. The wine is full-bodied with a mineral, saline finish, suggesting strong aging potential. Neal Martin of the Wine Advocate once described it as having some Coche Dury influences.

The vineyards are tended organically and biodynamically, with grapes destemmed for fermentation and all-natural yeasts used sparingly, with new barrels accounting for approximately 30% of the Premier Crus.