Benjamin Leroux exhibits a masterful touch in crafting his red wines, artfully extracting the most exquisite nuances from the rare Burgundian terroirs he works with, and notably, in the case of Nuits-Saint-Georges, historically renowned for its structured and sometimes stern character, he skillfully unveils a remarkable softness and finesse in this unique cuvée that features an even blend of Aux Saint-Jacques and Aux Herbues, nestled along the Vosne border, along with a precious parcel in the northern section of Fleurières, just to the south of the town, making this vintage an exceptionally scarce find.
In generous years, Leroux can vinify five Nuits-Saint-Georges wines: this blend of climats; a village lieu-dit Les Allots; and three Premier Cru wines from Les Cailles, Aux Thorey and Les Boudots. This year’s blend is a roughly equal split between Aux Saint-Jacques and Aux Herbues on the Vosne border, and a parcel in the northern part of Fleurières, just south of the town. It should come as no surprise that Leroux’s Nuits tastes nothing like the classic rugged stereotype. Instead, you can expect the kind of supple elegance and poise this grower brings to all his wines.
From Fleurieres, Herbues and Aux St Jacques, bright crimson purple, and not too ripe in fruit profile, this has an excellent structure with just the right tannins and correct acidity. All in deep red fruit, not too plummy, a balanced and consistent overall Nuits-St-Georges.
The 2021 Nuits Saint-Georges les Boudots 1er Cru is a little more closed than the Les Cailles, slightly earthier in style and opens with dark berry and subtle Earl Grey scents. The palate is medium-bodied with an edgy opening and fine acidity. There's a little fleshiness here with a savory, tobacco-tinged finish. Fine, though the Les Cailles has a little more panache.