Benjamin Leroux farms 0.6 hectares of vines in the Volnay 1er Cru vineyard of La Cave des Ducs. Mid-slop above village Volnay, the plot faces southeast and has clay-limestone soil with rocks from the limestone bedrock. The vines here were planted from 1940 to 1990. 50% destemmed, aged 12 months, half in tank and half in barrel.

The 2022 Volnay Clos de la Cave des Ducs 1er Cru has a more expressive bouquet than the Les Mitans: vivid red cherry and crushed strawberry aromas, lively and energetic. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly peppery entry, so you would assume there were more than 10-15% stems. Slightly vegetal and quite penetrating with a persistent finish, it's not a crowd-pleaser, but I find this cerebral.  - By Neal Martin on October 2023