The 2024 Benjamin Leroux Volnay 1er Cru Les Santenots is a serious yet elegant Pinot Noir from one of Volnay’s top Premier Cru sites. Leroux’s one-hectare parcel in Les Plures is planted to around 70-year-old estate-owned vines on clay-rich soils, giving the wine both perfumed depth and impressive structure. The 2024 shows sensual red fruit, raspberry and red cherry alongside violet, white pepper, subtle earthy spice and fine mineral notes. The low-yielding vintage and small bunches have contributed concentration while retaining freshness and finesse.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied and beautifully structured, with vibrant acidity, firm yet refined tannins and layers of red and darker fruit. Raspberry and cherry are complemented by subtle blackberry, violet, white pepper and savoury earthy notes, while the clay-rich terroir gives the wine a broad, concentrated texture. Around one-third to 40% whole-bunch fermentation adds aromatic lift, gentle stem spice and additional grip without drying the palate. The wine remains balanced and energetic, leading to a long, dry and persistent finish with lingering red fruit, pepper, mineral and savoury notes.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an excellent choice for serious Burgundy drinkers and Pinot Noir collectors seeking a Volnay Premier Cru with both perfume and power. The 2024 vintage is youthful and structured, with the acidity and tannins to develop greater savoury and earthy complexity over time. Best enjoyed from around 2030–2040, although it can be approached earlier with a good decant. Pair with roast duck and wild mushrooms, venison with juniper, slow-braised beef cheek, roast lamb with rosemary, or truffle and porcini risotto.
