Highlights: Two Cru from Domaine Benjamin Passot, Beaujolais, France
Benjamin Passot is Bourgogne by birth, with his professional experience acquired over several years on the Vosne Romanée terroirs. He created his Beaujolais domaine in 2017 in Juliénas, and today the estate owns more than 3.5 hectares of vines, growing to include the crus Moulin à vent, Morgon, Chiroubles, and Chénas. I came across a twinset of wines recently, and was quite impressed.
Domaine Benjamin Passot Juliénas Vaux 2021, Beaujolais, France
Vaux is from 80 year old vines from the lieu dit Vaux, at 290m, rooted in blue granites and Limoneux clay. It was native fermented and aged in older barrel. Pouring a pale cherry hue, this bright, lifted red shows spring rhubarb, wild raspberry, and finely crushed stones across a buzzy base, with a pure wild cherry core wrapped with whisper fine tannins and lit with brisk acidity and finishing with a lingering salinity. Finely boned, and super smart, this is showing beauty at present. 92/100
Benjamin Passot Chénas En Pérelle 2021, Beaujolais, France
En Pérelle is a lieu dit from 50 year old vines, at 210m, facing south on deep clay soils and galets. This was destemmed and native fermented in barrel. Super fragrant and buoyant, with peonies, cherry, rosewater, and wild strawberry lit with a crunchy cranberry acidity, seasoned with star anise, pink peppercorn, wild spearmint, mandarine peel, and fine salinity. Tannins are whisper fine, yielding a slight tactile edge to keep this food friendly. Such a joyous wine. 1200 bottles. 94/100
