2019 Benjamin Leroux, Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

The 2019 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru, which was fully destemmed, comprises two barrels this year. It has a succinct bouquet that takes time to unfold, revealing exquisitely defined red berry fruit, crushed iris petals and touches of cassis with time. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins that lend this Grand Cru an irresistible cashmere texture, and a pinch of white pepper lingers on the aftertaste. Superb.

The 2019 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru was one of the more introverted wines in this tasting, unwinding in the glass with notes of plums and berries mingled with hints of clove, orange rind and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, lively and structured, with chewy tannins that assert themselves on the finish, it couldn't be more different from its charming neighbor Clos Saint-Denis.