Benjamin Leroux Saint-Romain Sous le Château 2023 rawnew before the addition of pure

before the addition of pure grape brandy

wet river stone and ginger spice all wrapped up in citrus juice

with low yields bringing a marvellous core of compact fruit offset by a spine of ripe minerality and crunchy freshness

slate and fresh-running Alpine river water from a glacier's melt

The Extra Brut sees roughly three years of lees aging

Benjamin Leroux Saint-Romain Sous le Château 2023 rawnew before the addition of pureBen considers this a great vineyard. This comes from three smaller plots within it, including Fort Champagne. He is treating this more and more like a Meursault; it is certainly a rich expression of St Romain. About one third is made in foudre, along with 600 litre barrels, Wineglobe and amphorae. There is a chalky, mineral side to the orchard fruit nose. In the mouth this is creamy, tangy and grippy, with a lingering, refreshing finish.