2024 Benjamin Leroux Clos de la Cave des Ducs Volnay Premier Cru 750ml

Overview

One of Benjamin Leroux’s signature Volnay cuvées, Clos de la Cave des Ducs is a distinctive Premier Cru monopole combining perfume and delicacy with more depth and structure than its fine-boned character might initially suggest. The 2024 shows floral and red-fruited character alongside an earthy, mineral dimension and finely grained tannins.

Vineyard

Clos de la Cave des Ducs is a 0.64-hectare monopole owned by the family of Jean-Charles Carré, Benjamin Leroux’s long-time collaborator. It is the highest Premier Cru in Volnay, with fine, light soils that typically give wines of delicacy and perfume.

The vines are up to 80 years old, averaging around 50 years, and include younger massale-selection vines derived from Comte Armand’s Clos des Epeneaux. The vineyard is managed biodynamically and is used by Leroux and Carré as a site for some of their most progressive viticultural work.

Critic Reviews

94/100 — Tim Atkin MW
Tasted March 2026

91–93/100 — Neal Martin, Vinous
“The 2024 Volnay Clos de la Cave des Ducs 1er Cru has a more earthy nose than the Mitans, with touches of potpourri and limestone scents. The palate is medium-bodied with quite grainy tannins, more floral in style, gentle grip with a touch of allspice and brown spices lining the finish.”

89–92/100 — Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
Tasted October 2025
“Mid purple. A delicious perfume on the nose, some ripe raspberry alongside the cherry notes of the vintage. … the fruit returns behind, in a more persistent finish.”

Producer

Born in Beaune, Benjamin Leroux began studying at the Lycée Viticole at the age of 14 before completing his national oenology degree and gaining experience in New Zealand, Oregon and Bordeaux. At 24 he became manager of Domaine Comte Armand in Pommard, where over 15 vintages he introduced organic and later biodynamic viticulture.

Leroux established his own project in 2007, working across the Côte d’Or with a focus on precise farming and transparent expression of terroir. His approach is highly site-specific, with vineyard and cellar decisions adapted to each parcel and vintage rather than following a fixed formula.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2024
• Producer: Benjamin Leroux
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy, Côte de Beaune
• Appellation: Volnay Premier Cru
• Vineyard: Clos de la Cave des Ducs
• Classification: Premier Cru Monopole
• Alcohol: 13%
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vineyard Size: 0.64 hectares
• Vine Age: Up to 80 years; approximately 50 years average
• Viticulture: Biodynamic
• Wine Style: Red Wine
• Sweetness: Dry
• Drinking Window: 2029–2034