2021, Maison Benjamin Leroux, CHARMES-CHAMBERTIN Grand Cru

Forward Order

A mix of Charmes and Mazoyères with one new producer in the former. 4 barrels. Fine bright purple, with some sensuality to the bouquet., though not so much detail showing. The Charmes style of raspberries and cream shows up more behind. Fair length. *** 91-94 Jasper Morris MW.

The 2021 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru has a wonderful bouquet with fragrant red cherry and crushed strawberry scents. It's floral, sensual and much more vivacious than, say, the Bonnes-Mares. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins. It's very elegant in style and poised, with ample weight on the finish. This is an enticing Charmes-Chambertin that should give a couple of decades' drinking pleasure. 93-95 Neal Martin, Vinous.

Ripe blackberry fruit is tempered here with a hint of menthol, earth, and spice on the attack. The texture is balanced and elegant, yet there is significant structure here with firm tannins, bright acidity, and plenty of extract. In 2021, Leroux fermented the grapes with one-third of whole clusters to give the wine a hint of menthol and some attractive, slightly bitter notes on the finish. Stylish and sophisticated. The 0.15-hectare parcel is on the border with Morey in Mazoyères-Chambertin. 93 Charles Curtis MW, Decanter.

Drinking Window: 2027 - 2034