The 2024 Benjamin Leroux Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets is an exceptional Pinot Noir from one of Volnay’s most celebrated Premier Cru vineyards, often regarded as one of the appellation’s finest sites. Leroux farms around 0.5 hectares of Pinot Fin in Caillerets-Dessus, with vines planted in 1945, 1985 and the late 1990s. The wine shows raspberry, red cherry and wild strawberry alongside violet, jasmine, subtle pepper and gentle earthy spice. Its combination of old vines, mineral-rich soils and high whole-bunch fermentation gives the wine remarkable perfume, depth and structure.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied and beautifully structured, with vibrant acidity, fine-grained tannins and layers of red and darker berry fruit. Raspberry and cherry are complemented by wild strawberry, floral notes, subtle pepper and a gentle savoury character, while a fine chalky mineral streak provides tension and length. Around 80% whole bunches were used in the fermentation, contributing aromatic lift, spice and a subtle stemmy complexity. The texture is rich and polished, yet remains energetic and precise, leading to a long, dry and persistent finish with lingering red fruit, florals, mineral notes and gentle spice.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an exceptional choice for serious Burgundy drinkers and Pinot Noir collectors seeking a Volnay Premier Cru with Grand Cru-level ambition. The 2024 vintage is still very youthful, with the tannins and whole-bunch character needing time to integrate, but its concentration, acidity and mineral structure point to excellent ageing potential. Best enjoyed from around 2030–2038. Decant gently when young. Pair with roast squab, duck with wild mushrooms, venison with juniper, beef fillet with truffle jus, or truffle and porcini risotto.
