About Domaine Leroy
Lalou Bize-Leroy created Domaine Leroy in 1988 by buying Domaine Charles Noëllat in Vosne-Romanée and Domaine Philippe-Rémy in Gevrey-Chambertin, and converted the vineyards to biodynamics straight away. She had spent the previous three decades as co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Yields here are among the lowest in Burgundy, often less than half what neighbors pick, and most of the grand crus amount to a few hundred bottles a vintage: Richebourg, Romanée-Saint-Vivant, Musigny, Chambertin, Clos de la Roche, Clos de Vougeot and Latricières-Chambertin among them.
The Leroy name covers three separate operations, which is the first thing to sort out before buying. Our Vosne-Romanée Wines and Grand Cru Wines pages carry the neighboring estates, and Burgundy Wines holds the wider selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Domaine Leroy, Domaine d'Auvenay and Maison Leroy?
Domaine Leroy is Lalou Bize-Leroy's estate, founded in 1988 and the most expensive of the three. Domaine d'Auvenay is her private estate, smaller again, built around holdings in Saint-Romain and a handful of white grand crus. Maison Leroy is the family négociant house that dates to 1868 and buys fruit and finished wine from others, which makes it the most affordable route into the name.
Why is Domaine Leroy so expensive?
Very low yields, small parcels and thirty years of reputation. Several grand crus produce a few hundred bottles a year and the domaine has never expanded to meet demand.
Is Domaine Leroy biodynamic?
Yes, from the beginning. The vineyards were converted in 1988, years ahead of most of Burgundy, and the estate has never moved away from it.
How long do Domaine Leroy wines age?
The grand crus commonly need fifteen to twenty years and hold for decades after that. Village and premier cru bottles open earlier but still reward ten. Given the prices, provenance matters more here than almost anywhere.