2021, Maison Benjamin Leroux, CLOS DE VOUGEOT, Grand Cru, 'Petit Maupertuis'

1 x 456 litre barrel, new wood which has been tamed by using it to ferment white wine first. Slightly more volume than usual as the grower allowed Benjamin to have a bigger surface area of his plot to work with. 80% whole bunch, but not carbonic maceration. Pretty mid purple. The nose takes some teasing out, raspberry with some strawberry notes, good weight, a little backward, still plenty of muscle despite the relatively light style of the vintage. *** 92-95 Jasper Morris MW.

The 2021 Clos Vougeot Les Petits Maupertui Grand Cru has a lively, mineral bouquet with rose petal-infused red fruit; hints of blood orange develop with time. The palate is medium-bodied and candied in style. It's quite sweet with a pastille-like purity but misses some grip on the finish; however, it retains balance throughout. Enjoy this over the next 10 years. 91-93 Neal Martin, Vinous.