Wines Clos Saint-Denis Benjamin Leroux - Clos St. Denis - 2013

Viniou Reviews

Benjamin Leroux’s 2013 Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru is a benchmark example of the elegance and complexity that Pinot Noir from this hallowed Burgundian climat can offer. Cultivated from old vines within the Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru vineyard in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, the wine is a pure expression of Pinot Noir, benefitting from meticulous vineyard management and traditional vinification. The 2013 vintage, marked by a cool growing season and later harvest, has given birth to a wine of notable finesse, defined by an aromatic interplay of red cherry, raspberry, earthy forest floor, and subtle spice. Ageing in fine-grained French oak further enhances its refinement, bringing delicate notes of vanilla and savoury undertones.

The Côte de Nuits is revered as Burgundy’s cradle of some of the world’s finest red wines, with Clos Saint-Denis standing among the most celebrated Grand Crus. The soils here are predominantly composed of limestone and marl, providing perfect drainage and imparting exceptional mineral tension to the wines. The region enjoys a temperate continental climate, which, despite some vintage variation, allows for slow, even ripening of the Pinot Noir—preserving freshness and aromatic precision while supporting complexity. The vineyard’s storied past, dating back to the Cistercian monks of the Middle Ages, is embedded in every bottle, adding another dimension of historical resonance.

Such a wine demands thoughtful pairings. Its filigree structure and silky tannins make it an ideal partner for refined dishes such as roast duck with cherries, pigeon with morels, or a classic beef tenderloin with a light jus. Burgundian favourites like coq au vin or a mushroom fricassée with parsley would further echo its earthy nuances. Soft-ripened cheeses like Époisses or Brillat-Savarin can also complement its savoury depth.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve at 16-17°C after a gentle decanting of around 30 minutes, which will allow the intricate bouquet and nuanced palate to fully reveal themselves. This wine has the potential to evolve beautifully in the cellar, but is already an exquisite pleasure in the glass.