Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey – 2018
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Introduction
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Vaudevey can also be written in three words: “Vau,” “de,” and “Vey.” These words refer to the “Valley,” or “Vau,” of the “Vey,” which comes from the Latin word “Vadum,” which translates to “humid place” because of the river that used to flood the entrance of the valley.
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Vineyard Profile
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Chablis—Vaudevey 1er Cru Domaine Laroche is one of only three proprietors in Les Vaudevey, owning 24.61 acres of the 102.13 acres premier cru vineyard. Planted on steep slopes of 640 to 771 feet with an eastern to southeastern exposure, the vines enjoy morning to early afternoon sun. The coolest valley of the Domaine Laroche vineyard—always the last one to be harvested.
- Viticulture: One man, one plot: There are more than 30 people who are dedicated to caring for the 90-plus hectares (222.39 acres) of Domaine Laroche vineyards, with each person responsible for only one plot. This tailor-made approach allows them to manage the vineyards with precision, speed and accuracy.
- Vine Age: Up to 70 years
- Density: 5,880 vines per hectare (2,380 vines per acre); massal selection from Laroche old vines for the new plantings
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Vintage Report
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In 2018 the summer conditions were dry with temperatures above seasonal norms (> 98 °F) which favored an advanced veraison of 8 days compared to the previous year. After 2 challenging years with harvest volume down 50%, we are thankful for the abundant and high quality of vintage 2018.
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Vinification
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Pressing: The grapes are harvested and sorted by hand. Whole bunches are pressed in a pneumatic press, and then the must settles for 12 hours at 10° C to 12°C (50° F to 54° F) in large vats.
- Fermentation: The must ferments for 3 weeks, 74 % in stainless steel vats and 26% in French oak barrels.
- Aging: 9 months aging in the same vessel types as fermentation. Then, the wine will be blended and aged further on fine lees for about 4-6 months depending on tastings.
- Filtration: Minimal filtration is used to preserve and maximize the natural character of the wine.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12.5%
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Tasting Notes
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Bright gold in color. Hints of minerality layered with citrus notes of lemon peel. Nervy, racy and lively. You can enjoy it by the glass, with oysters, seafood and smoked salmon. Also, pairs well with Asian food and light cheese.
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Images
Reviews
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey – 2018 – The Wine Advocate – 90 Points
Pretty, delivering notes of citrus zest, fresh bread and oyster shell. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and precise, with a pretty core of fruit and a saline finish.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey – 2018 – Vinous – 91 Points
The 2018 Chablis Les Vaudevey 1er Cru offers attractive honeysuckle and orange pith scents on a nose that gradually achieves greater delineation with aeration. The palate is well balanced with a lively opening: lemon zest, dried orange peel, and a touch of ginger coming through with aeration. Quite long on the finish, this is a fine, easygoing Vaudevey that I suspect will be best broached in the flush of youth.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey – 2018 – Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points
Aromatic hints of ripe greengage and Mirabelle are subtle on the nose of this wine. The palate adds a creamy languor to these fruity notions, endowing them with gentle, pithy texture and letting them flow in their generous ripeness, with richer pear on the dry finish.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey – 2018 – Vinous – 92 Points
The 2018 Chablis Les Vaudevey 1er Cru is a gorgeous, complex wine. Dried flowers, slate and earthy tones give the 2018 tons of aromatic nuance to match its mid-weight personality. The Vaudevey is an especially somber Chablis marked by strong mineral/soil inflections. It is also tightly wound today and in need of time to be at its best.