2019 Benjamin Leroux, Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 1x75cl

Neal Martin 93

The 2019 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru offers a mixture of red and black fruit, crushed violets, peppercorns and light earthy tones. It does not quite deliver the panache of Jerome Castagnier’s own Clos de la Roche, but it coheres in the glass and becomes more floral with continued aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and fine acidity. Lactic in style, with vanilla pod and dark chocolate, the new oak presence denudes this Clos Saint-Denis of some complexity and nuance toward the finish. Maybe this is a bit stylized at the moment, but there is pedigree here. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. [Neal Martin, 12/12/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2044

Wine Advocate 94

One of Leroux’s finest reds is the 2019 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru, an ample and enveloping wine that offers up aromas of raspberries, red fruit compote, orange rind, exotic spices and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and charming, with fine concentration and lively acids, it’s velvety and seamless, concluding with a long, oak-inflected finish. [William Kelley, 31/08/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2045