2022 Berry Bros. & Rudd Bourgogne Côte d'Or Pinot Noir by Benjamin Leroux
Critics reviews
A fixture in the Berry Bros own-label range since 2019, this good value Burgundy is made by talented young winemaker Benjamin Leroux. Old-vine Pinot Noir grapes come from a declassified Chorey-lès-Beaune vineyard, producing an expressive wine with lovely balance. Vibrant raspberry and cherry fruit are supported by silky tannins and delicate oak from maturation in old barrels, with hints of florality on the perfumed nose and a sprinkle of white pepper spice, all underpinned by a fine seam of acidity: delicious!
Drink 2023 - 2027
Julie Sheppard, Decanter.com (September 2023)
About this WINE
Benjamin Leroux
Having created a name for himself as régisseur (general manager) of Domaine du Comte Armand in Pommard, Benjamin Leroux established, with English backing, a small négociant business based in Beaune since 2007. The range is confined to the Côte d’Or, from Chassagne-Montrachet to Gevrey-Chambertin, with the intention of developing farming contracts or indeed purchasing vineyards in the future.
The possibilities are very exciting for this exceptionally talented vigneron. Benjamin is a master at delivering purity of fruit alongside a seamless texture in his wines which have only the subtlest influence of oak. One of Benjamin’s favourite locations for white wine vineyards is the border between Auxey-Duresses and Meursault, which is where Les Vireuils can be found. Here the natural weight of Meursault is enhanced by the fresher minerality typical of the side valley of Auxey-Duresses.
Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Wine Director and author of the award-winning Inside Burgundy comprehensive handbook.
Discover the story behind our Own Selection Bourgogne Côte d’Or Pinot Noir, made for us by Benjamin. Read more
Chorey-Lès-Beaune
Chorey-Lès-Beaune is a wine appellation (AOC) located just a short distance from the town of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy. It is part of the larger Côte de Beaune sub-region, known for producing some of the world’s most renowned and sought-after wines.
The primary grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The reds are typically elegant and medium-bodied and exhibit the characteristic Burgundian flavours of red berries, cherries, and earthy notes. White wines are less common in this appellation but can be fresh, crisp, and mineral-driven.
Chorey-Lès-Beaune shares the same terroir characteristics as its more famous neighbours, such as Pommard and Beaune. The vineyards benefit from limestone-rich soils and a well-suited climate for producing high-quality grapes. The limestone content in the soil contributes to the wines’ minerality and complexity.
In Burgundy, appellations are classified into a hierarchical system based on the perceived quality of the vineyards. Chorey-Lès-Beaune is classified as a Village appellation, one step below Premier Cru and Grand Cru appellations in prestige. However, this does not mean that the wines are of lower quality; they can still be exceptional, and many wine enthusiasts seek out these wines for their value.
Like most Burgundy wines, red Chorey-Lès-Beaune wines pair well with a variety of dishes, including roast poultry, grilled salmon, and dishes featuring mushrooms. The whites, if available, can be enjoyed with seafood, poultry, and creamy sauces.
While Chorey-Lès-Beaune may not have the same level of recognition as some of its prestigious neighbours, it offers wine enthusiasts an opportunity to explore the Burgundian terroir and the classic grape varieties of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a slightly more accessible and affordable way.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is probably the most frustrating, and at times infuriating, wine grape in the world. However when it is successful, it can produce some of the most sublime wines known to man. This thin-skinned grape which grows in small, tight bunches performs well on well-drained, deepish limestone based subsoils as are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or.
Pinot Noir is more susceptible than other varieties to over cropping - concentration and varietal character disappear rapidly if yields are excessive and yields as little as 25hl/ha are the norm for some climats of the Côte d`Or.
Because of the thinness of the skins, Pinot Noir wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However the best wines have grip, complexity and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, redolent with freshly crushed raspberries, cherries and redcurrants. When mature, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouth feel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey "sous-bois" nuances emerging.
The best examples are still found in Burgundy, although Pinot Noir`s key role in Champagne should not be forgotten. It is grown throughout the world with notable success in the Carneros and Russian River Valley districts of California, and the Martinborough and Central Otago regions of New Zealand.
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Description
If you order only one red Burgundy this autumn, make it this one. Every facet of stunning Côte d'Or Pinot Noir is present in this creation and the price is as competitive as I have seen this year for any epic-quality wine made from this fabulous grape. Ben Leroux's skills are well-known and here he draws on fruit harvested from od vines in Chorey-lès-Beaune to craft this expressive, silky-red-cherry perfumed wine. It is young, but there is already much to adore, from the pristine clarity of aroma and flavour to the delightfully refreshing finish
Matthew Jukes, Wine of the Week, Money Week (October 2023)
Made in collaboration with Benjamin Leroux, our Bourgogne Côte d’Or comes from old vines planted in the appellation of Chorey-lès-Beaune. The 2022 vintage seamlessly marries explosive red-berry fruit with refreshing acidity and sweet tannins. Spicy floral top notes and a hint of vanilla oak provide further complexity. This would be an excellent match with roasted poultry, grilled meats and soft cheeses.
Drink now to 2027
Adam Bruntlett, Senior Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
To reduce packaging waste, this wine is capsule-free. Cellar Plan members enjoy a 10% saving on this wine at checkout.
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