2018 Benjamin Leroux, Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru, Les Cazetiers

The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Cazetiers displays attractive aromas of cassis, raspberries and rose petals, mingled with rich soil tones. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, with a pretty core of fruit, lively acids and fine-grained structuring tannins.

The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers 1er Cru does not quite exude the same fruit concentration on the nose, a heavy reduction here (Brettanomyces) missing the amplitude of some of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit and grippy tannins. Notes of cranberry and raspberry coulis merge with figgy, date-like scents towards the finish. This just needs time, though whether it will evolve the same precision as its peers in Cazetiers, I am unsure. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.

New wine for Leroux. Small bunches. 65% whole bunch. Barrel sample. Has the texture of whole bunch, finely dry. Fragrant on the nose and a little more austere on the palate. Tight, dry and chewy. Quite austere at the moment but on the borderline between austere and elegant. (JH)