The 2022 Benjamin Leroux Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Hauts Jarrons is a refined and elegant Pinot Noir from one of the top Premier Cru vineyards in the Savigny-lès-Beaune appellation, located on the east-facing, Beaune side of Savigny. The vineyard, owned by a close friend of Benjamin Leroux, sits on the midslope of Mont Battois hill, overlooking the Corton Grand Cru, with well-draining, sandy clay-limestone soils that contribute to the wine’s finesse and minerality. For the 2022 vintage, all fruit was destemmed, resulting in a bright, juicy, and approachable wine with crunchy red fruit and layered complexity. The wine is aged for 18 months in 300-liter barrels with minimal new oak (typically 10% or less), emphasizing purity of fruit and terroir. It showcases a full mid-purple color, with aromas of dark raspberry, slight reduction (which dissipates), and a firmer, acidic finish. This vintage is noted for its succulent and charming profile despite the hot, dry growing season.
Food Pairings
The 2022 Benjamin Leroux Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Hauts Jarrons pairs well with a variety of dishes due to its balanced structure, moderate tannins, and vibrant acidity. Recommended pairings include:
- Meats: Classic steak, lamb tagine, duck rillette, roast beef, glazed ham, smoked pork, or sausages. The wine’s roundness and fruit-forward profile complement flavorful meats, especially roasted or caramelized poultry.
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Vegetables: Roast vegetables, mushroom risotto, or dishes with earthy components like forest floor notes.
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Cheeses: Soft, mild cheeses such as Chaource, Brie de Meaux, Tomme, Reblochon, Cantal, Mont d’Or, or Époisses.
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Other: Foie gras poêlé or dishes with rich, savory profiles that match the wine’s fleshy yet refined character.
Critics Reviews:
Specific critic reviews for the 2022 vintage of this wine are limited, but one notable review exists:
- Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy): “Full mid purple. A slight reduction here but note that the Haut Jarrons has not yet been racked at all. It soon blows off to leave a good volume of dark raspberry fruit, with a firmer finish behind, good acidity, but this is also higher octane [at 14.8% alcohol].” This suggests a vibrant, fruit-driven wine with potential for refinement post-racking.
For context, reviews of prior vintages highlight the wine’s quality:
- Neal Martin (Vinous, 2020 vintage): “The 2020 Savigny-lès-Beaune Aux Jarrons 1er Cru has an attractive nose with dark berry fruit, crushed stone, briary and touches of Earl Grey. Quite complex. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, fine grip with a vibrant and slightly minty finish. Very fine. (91-93 points).
William Kelley (2022 vintage commentary): Notes that the 2022 vintage in Burgundy, including this wine, is “succulent, suave, and charming” despite being the hottest and driest since 1947, indicating strong quality for the appellation.
The wine is often praised for its elegance, finesse, and value, with critics comparing Leroux’s winemaking to the legendary Henri Jayer for its precision and terroir expression.
Drink Window
The 2022 Benjamin Leroux Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Les Hauts Jarrons is drinkable upon release due to its bright, juicy character but will benefit from short-term aging. The recommended drink window is 2025–2032 (3–7 years from vintage), with potential to develop further complexity if cellared for an additional 3–4 years. This is based on notes for the 2022 vintage and general aging potential for this cuvée.
