2013 Benjamin Leroux Puligny-Montrachet Champ Gains

Maison Benjamin Leroux in Beaune was started in 2007 by Benjamin Leroux, one of the most admired young winemakers in Burgundy. Leroux became winemaker and manager at prestigious Domaine Comte Armand starting in 1999, when he was not yet 30, but he wanted his own label. With several investors he started his negociant business by taking over a section of the 19th century Jaboulet-Vercherre winery in Beaune. He owns and leases vineyards, and makes one monopole, Volnay Premier Cru Clos de les Caves. Since Leroux is often working with very small leased parcels, he makes several dozen wines, often ending up with a single barrel of less of particular cuvee. In 2014 he quit his job at Comte Armand. His wines earn compliments from reviewers, including a 2014 Wine Advocate review: “Suffice to say that this is a strong set of wines from a very talented winemaker…whose comprehensive portfolio spans much of Burgundy,(with each wine) translating the leitmotifs of their respective terroirs with style and panache.

Les Champ Gain is a 32-Acre acre Premier Cru vineyard in the Puligny-Montrachet appellation of Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. It is up the slope and west of many of the appellation’s Premier Cru vineyards, and in fact wasn’t farmed as a vineyard until the mid-20th century, when the land was cleared of rocks and scrub. The elevation is 300 to 380 meters.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.