2023 Benjamin Leroux 'Les Vergelesses' Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru

Producer: Benjamin Leroux  |  Region: Burgundy  | Grape: Pinot Noir

About The Wine

Leroux worked with a small parcel in Les Vergelesses, arguably Savigny’s finest terroir, for over five years. He worked hard to improve the viticulture and the quality of the wine before releasing something under its own label (previous vintages have been blended into the Savigny village wine).

Leroux calls out Les Vergelesses as his favourite Savigny 1er Cru, producing wines with “another layer of elegance” compared to the other 1er Crus of the village. Like the other two Savigny wines on offer, this is a wonderful ‘restaurant wine’ as it can be consumed young (although it will certainly age). It has wonderful finesse, but also depth and fine structure—thanks to more clay in the soil and one-third of the wine having fermented as bunches.

Review

“The 2023 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Vergelesses 1er Cru has an elegant bouquet of fresh black cherries and wild strawberry fruit, quite floral in style. The palate is medium-bodied with sapid black fruit. It is very well balanced and refined, with a long and pure finish that beckons you back for another sip. This is an outstanding Savigny from Leroux.”

91-93 points, Neal Martin, Vinous

About Benjamin Leroux

Benjamin Leroux established his own label in 2007, dedicating himself entirely to the project since 2014. Working throughout the Côte d'Or with owned organic-certified vines, leased parcels, and carefully sourced fruit, he produces an extraordinary range from AC Bourgogne to Grand Cru. His deep relationships with predominantly organic growers allow him to influence farming decisions and dictate harvest timing for optimal ripeness.

Leroux's winemaking philosophy centers on preserving terroir through minimal intervention. He favours large wooden casks for vinification and maturation, uses very little new oak, and adjusts whole-bunch inclusion based on site and vintage. The scale remains artisanal—several wines are produced in quantities not exceeding a single barrel, reflecting his commitment to small-batch excellence.

The 2023 vintage exemplifies Leroux's exceptional timing and skill. The resulting wines showcase remarkable purity: charming fruit and silky structures. After consistently producing outstanding wines across every appellation, Leroux has established himself as a producer who simply doesn't know how to put a foot wrong.

Snapshot

Region: Burgundy

Country: France

Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml

Closure: Diam cork under wax

Grapes: Pinot Noir