Notes from Becky Wasserman: 

"One of the wonderful aspects of Domaine du Comte Armand, is the family’s habit since 1985 of placing their trust in surprisingly youthful talent. Their instincts have been remarkable. Between Pascal Marchand and Paul Zinetti was Benjamin Leroux, who was handed the reins of the domaine in 1999, at the age of 24.

Ben stayed at Comte Armand for fifteen vintages and started his own side project in 2007. Though there are no family vineyards, he now vinifies approximately 30 hectares, 8 of which are domaine holdings that are farmed organically and biodynamically.

His range of appellations is astounding. It spans the Côte from Chassagne-Montrachet to Gevrey-Chambertin, and includes all levels in Burgundy’s hierarchy. Particular favorites of ours are his collection of premier crus, not only because many of them are the most prized, but sometimes precisely because of the opposite. Take Blagny. Right? Yet, with its high altitude and white marl soils, it produces reds and whites with such rebellious minerality and freshness they regularly steal the show.

Blagny is a good metaphor for Ben. Though he has become one of the most respected classical winemakers of his generation, his underlying unconformity, wit, and humour are why he is also among everyone’s most loved."

About the cuvee:

"Size: 2.00 ha (4.94 ac)

Variety: Pinot Noir

Vine Age: Planted from 1955 to 1990

Terroir: Three lieux-dits with sandy-textured soil: Les Saucours, Aux Fournaux, Ez Connardises

Viticulture: Sustainable

Vinification: 10-15% whole cluster, 15-day maceration, ambient yeast fermentation. Aged 14 months in barrel (10% new), unfined, unfiltered."