2024, Maison Benjamin Leroux, VOLNAY, 1er Cru, 'Santenots'Ben felt comfortable in using a third whole bunches here. Great looking grapes from just 15 hl ha, he tells me. Tiny bunches. A healthy ruby purple. The bouquet has a very sensual, even velvety red fruit, with a fresh burst of white pepper. This works absolutely beautifully, with the stems adding grip without drying Drink from 2030. **** 92 94 Jasper Morris MW The 2024 Volnay Les Santenots 1er Cru contains one third whole bunch. The palate is medium

77% merlot

Clean pale colour

The palate is well balanced with a slightly creamy texture and fine acidity

A fine long graceful finish

The super-sleek if not especially dense medium weight flavours possess both good energy and precision as well as a subtle bead of minerality that adds interest to the youthfully austere but not really rustic finale

Third vintage since they stepped back from the classification

whereupon it fans out with nascent swagger

supported by pleasant notes of fresh red berries intertwined with elegant tobacco

Drinking Window: 2029 - 2036

hard to resist

with a concentrated core of fruit that's framed by beautifully refined tannins and animated by lively acids

This is a radiant beauty and nearly unrecognisable from the old